Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug testing services in Concord, Texas. If you require a drug or alcohol test via hair samples, Accredited Drug Testing is a leading expert nationwide with facilities in every city capable of administering the test. A minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown of your head or body can usually be tested. Hair samples can be screened for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored testing options.
In the last few years, hair follicle testing has gained favor in drug testing methods. Many employers, judicial entities, and substance abuse experts now opt for hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. This method is preferred by employers with no-drug policies, courts, and for those on probation. Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window for drug use, typically up to 90 days, with an observed collection process that is hard to manipulate. Meanwhile, for assessing drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests remain the most precise.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
The analysis of hair has become recognized as an effective means to identify the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substances including alcohol by holding onto biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for these substances. Its collection is straightforward, it’s relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis. For EtG and expanded tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is recommended. It is advisable to weigh the hair on a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is present, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially entered into the laboratory system. This phase checks if the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for negating drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires validation to be court-admissible. Samples that are considered positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are removed from hair at much lower levels than other methods (like urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
The Confirmation phase of any presumptive positive result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample deemed presumptively positive is washed before Confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is governed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Concord, TX
Hair testing offers unmatched detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. With an extended detection window and near-impossibility of manipulation, hair follicle testing ensures comprehensive and dependable results, making it a superior choice for various testing needs.
Extended Detection Window in Concord, TX
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This longer detection window gives employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, facilitating informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Concord, TX
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, delivering reliable results. The nature of hair samples makes them resistant to adulteration, ensuring that results remain trustworthy and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Concord, TX
Our extensive network of testing centers offers both national and local convenience, ensuring seamless access to our services. This ease of access makes drug testing straightforward and stress-free for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Concord, TX
The process of ordering, administering, and receiving results from hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and practicality, addressing concerns over personal data protection and the ease of obtaining results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Concord, TX
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide excellent value. These factors contribute to peace of mind for businesses, ensuring a cost-effective solution without compromising on speed or quality of service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Concord, TX
Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their swiftness and precision in detecting substance use. These tests provide undeniable accuracy, ensuring that results reflect true substance exposure without delay. This makes them a favored choice for those demanding quick and reliable insights.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Concord, TX
Employing hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, helping to lessen legal risks and improve safety. This testing method supports employers in maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
