Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer close to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments over 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the laboratory assessment of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves verifying the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to screen for drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The end-to-end laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Center Point, TX, hair follicle testing outperforms the traditional urine test in several ways. Superior Detection Accuracy: Hair tests cover a longer duration, capturing drug use more effectively than urine tests, which are shorter-term. Reliability: Results from hair tests are tougher to manipulate, ensuring that outcomes reflect true substance use.
Moreover, Comprehensive Results: Hair tests provide a broader overview of an individual's substance use, while urine tests are limited to recent consumption. This makes hair follicle testing indispensable for accurate and extensive drug screening in various professional settings.
In Center Point, TX, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to gain a holistic view of an individual's substance habits, extending beyond the capabilities of shorter-term tests. The expansive detection time strengthens an employer’s capacity to assess a candidate’s or employee’s long-term substance history.
Employers benefit from this comprehensive approach as it provides a more profound analysis of substance use trends, helping them make informed decisions. By relying on hair follicle tests, organizations ensure they access invaluable insights into applicants' and employees' behavioral patterns over extensive durations.
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant compared to other drug screening methods in Center Point, TX. Due to their nature, it's significantly harder to alter or manipulate the samples, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable. This feature eliminates the potential for sample adulteration, a common issue with other testing types like urine tests.
The credibility of hair testing lies in the strength of its collection and analysis methods, which uphold the integrity of the results. As such, employers can confidently use hair follicle tests to assess substance use without the risk of tampered results, supporting reliable decision-making processes.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access through both nationwide and local testing centers in Center Point, TX. With a multitude of testing sites available, the process is streamlined for quick, easy, and hassle-free drug testing services. This extensive network guarantees flexible and accessible options for individuals and businesses alike.
Whether local or across the country, the widespread presence of testing centers permits efficient service delivery, minimizing travel time and simplifying the testing process. Clients enjoy swift access to testing facilities, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.
The hair follicle testing process in Center Point, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, the seamless procedure addresses privacy concerns without compromising on ease of use. Participants are reassured by the confidentiality measures in place, ensuring peace of mind.
Furthermore, the straightforward nature of the testing procedure promotes clarity and convenience. Whether for employers or individuals, the process is refined to accommodate needs satisfactorily, fostering trust in the system's ability to deliver confidential and accurate results efficiently.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround in Center Point, TX, providing excellent value for organizations of all sizes. The competitive pricing structure ensures accessibility without sacrificing the quality and promptness of service delivery.
This cost-effective approach, paired with quick result processing times, boosts the confidence of employers reliant on timely information for decision-making. By delivering significant value, companies can maintain their commitment to a safe and drug-free workplace without exceeding their budgetary constraints.
The precision and speed offered by hair follicle drug tests in Center Point, TX are unparalleled. With a focus on delivering reliable and fast-acting results, these tests accurately detect substance use, providing peace of mind for both employers and individuals. The swiftness of obtaining results allows for prompt decision-making, a critical factor in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
In addition to speed, these tests offer an unprecedented level of accuracy. This ensures that any detectable substance use is expertly identified, eliminating doubts that may arise with other testing methods. The efficiency and reliability of hair follicle testing make it a favored choice among businesses in Center Point, Texas.
Employers in Center Point, TX, can experience strong compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, notably reducing legal liabilities. Through consistent and accurate drug testing, companies maintain high standards in employment practices, safeguarding their operational integrity.
By electing hair follicle tests, businesses benefit from reduced risk exposure related to drug use in the workplace. The assurance of reliable testing outcomes reflects positively on workplace safety and productivity, granting employers the confidence they need to foster a secure work environment.
