Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now recognized as effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a detailed account of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When snipped near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within an approximate three-month span for both drugs and alcohol. Harvesting is straightforward, tampering is somewhat challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A collected sample of 1.5 inches, roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil and consisting of about 200 strands, provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both initial screening and subsequent verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and screenings exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an identical amount of body hair can be procured. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result mainly includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This involves confirming the sample's secure sealing and proper shipping, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any manual data input absent in the electronic chain of custody records.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid check for substance abuse. While it offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug consumption in most samples, any positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples with preliminary positive results during Screening require an additional verification step.
Should a sample yield a tentative positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial collection and set up for Extraction. During this phase, substances are drawn out from hair at significantly lower levels than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with potential positive results are cleansed before confirmation, where needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, yet the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cockrell Hill, TX
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are prevalent, the extensive detection window and robust accuracy of hair tests offer a clearer substance use history. This makes hair testing a more comprehensive option favored by many organizations in Cockrell Hill.
Extended Detection Window in Cockrell Hill, TX
One of the prominent benefits of hair follicle testing is its capacity to identify drug use over a longer timeframe, up to 90 days. This gives employers in Cockrell Hill, TX, a broader view of an individual's drug history, which is invaluable during pre-employment screening or ongoing employee assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cockrell Hill, TX
Hair follicle drug tests offer a significant reduction in the potential for sample tampering. With their robust collection procedures, these tests provide credible and reliable outcomes. This tamper-resistant nature ensures that results are accurate and trustworthy, vital for workplace compliance and safety.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cockrell Hill, TX
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of conveniently located testing centers not only in Cockrell Hill but across the nation. This widespread accessibility ensures that residents and employers can access testing services effortlessly, making the process quick, seamless, and stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cockrell Hill, TX
Our straightforward yet confidential procedure ensures peace of mind for those undergoing drug testing. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are made easy while maintaining privacy, making it a stress-free experience for anyone in need of drug testing in Cockrell Hill.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cockrell Hill, TX
Accredited Drug Testing in Cockrell Hill, TX, ensures cost-effective pricing paired with rapid turnaround times. This unique combination offers exceptional value, allowing businesses of all sizes to manage their drug testing needs efficiently without compromising on quality or dependability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cockrell Hill, TX
The precision of hair follicle drug testing ensures it stands out in accuracy when detecting substance use. With swift processing and high reliability, these tests offer quick insights, making them a go-to choice for drug testing in Cockrell Hill. Their ability to deliver precise results efficiently solidifies their reputation as a premier testing method.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cockrell Hill, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, dramatically reducing legal hurdles and enhancing safety. With its high detection accuracy, employers in Cockrell Hill can maintain their commitment to a safe work environment, bolstering productivity and workforce wellbeing.