Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hairs (the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal sample for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The main steps in laboratory processing for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift check for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient way to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that are preliminarily positive during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is drawn from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often labeled "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Chico, TX, the benefits of hair follicle testing over urine tests are clear. Hair tests showcase superior detection accuracy, thanks to a longer detection window. Unlike urine tests that offer a limited timeframe, hair tests reveal substance use history for up to 90 days, making them ideal for employers who need a comprehensive view of an individual's habits.
Moreover, the reliability of hair testing is evident in its resistance to tampering. It surpasses urine testing in ensuring that the samples reflect genuine substance use without the risk of adulteration or manipulation, a common issue in urine samples.
For businesses in Chico, TX, the advantage of utilizing hair follicle testing lies in the extended detection window. Unlike conventional urine tests, hair analysis can reveal drug use patterns for up to 90 days. This extensive window provides a clearer overview of a potential employee's or applicant's substance use, assisting in informed decision-making.
Employers gain a detailed insight into an individual's past substance use, thereby improving hiring accuracy. This longer window allows employers to make informed hiring decisions, ensuring personnel align with their workplace policies.
In Chico, TX, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. This is crucial for ensuring reliable outcomes as hair samples are less prone to adulteration compared to urine tests. As a result, organizations can trust the accuracy of the results, reducing fears of sample manipulation.
By utilizing this testing method, businesses can maintain integrity and trust in the screening process. Hair testing provides a robust alternative that stands up to scrutiny, ensuring that employers can confidently act on the results.
Convenience in drug testing comes from Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network available in Chico, TX. With widespread centers, access to testing services becomes easy and hassle-free, ensuring that anyone requiring a test can find a nearby location with ease.
Whether local or traveling, the ease of reaching a testing center ensures that quick and competent services are always within reach. This convenience allows businesses and individuals to undertake necessary testing without worry.
Chico, TX residents benefit from a simple and confidential drug testing process with Accredited Drug Testing. From ordering to obtaining results, the entire process is streamlined to guarantee privacy and ease. Clients can trust that their information is handled securely, alleviating privacy concerns.
The ease of use allows candidates and employers to focus on essential tasks without the testing process becoming a burden. We provide an efficient, discrete service that aligns with client needs, ensuring satisfaction every step of the way.
In Chico, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing, providing excellent value to companies of all sizes. Our pricing structures are competitive, ensuring that quality testing is accessible to all without compromising accuracy or speed.
Fast turnaround times coupled with value-driven pricing reinforce the cost-effectiveness of choosing our services. We aim to deliver results promptly, ensuring that companies receive the reassurance they need without extended delays.
In Chico, TX, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their fast and accurate results. These tests deliver precise detection of substance use, ensuring high reliability that sets them apart from traditional methods. Their efficiency means that results are processed quickly, providing stakeholders with timely answers that aid decision-making.
The reliability of hair tests comes from their ability to offer unmatched accuracy. By analyzing the full history of substance use, these tests provide a clear picture of an individual's behavior. This precision helps in reducing errors associated with other forms of testing.
For Chico, TX employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks, offering peace of mind by upholding rigorous standards. Using such tests can aver workplace incidents and bolster safety, addressing critical organizational needs.
Implementing hair testing fosters a culture of safety and wellness. Employers achieve peace of mind knowing that they are adhering to compliance regulations while protecting their team members, thereby fostering a productive work environment.
