Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands provide a chronological record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within their fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage history for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step verifies the integrity and proper shipment of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient technique to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening do require further confirmation.
When a sample is presumed positive in Screening, more hair is sourced from the original specimen for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), reinforcing why hair drug screening is exceptionally challenging.
Positive screening results are confirmed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Courtney, TX, opting for hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests offers numerous advantages. Hair tests have superior detection capabilities, reliably identifying substance use over an extended timeframe, rendering them highly effective for employers enforcing strict drug policies.
With its comprehensive detection and high reliability, hair follicle testing is favored over urine tests. It provides a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history, critical for organizations aiming to uphold safety and adherence to drug-free policies in Courtney, TX.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Courtney, TX offers a strategic advantage. It allows for insight into drug use patterns over up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that cover only recent usage, granting employers a profound understanding of an individual's substance history.
By utilizing the lengthy detection capabilities of hair tests, companies in Courtney, TX can ensure they gather a comprehensive overview of their employees' or applicants' long-term substance use, assisting in informed decision-making and maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace environment.
In Courtney, TX, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution against sample adulteration. The method's intrinsic design significantly reduces risks of interference, assuring employers with reliable and unquestionable results pivotal for maintaining trust and safety in the workplace.
The inherent integrity and robustness of hair follicle testing make it a superior choice in Courtney, TX for detecting substance use without concerns of tampering or falsification, providing peace of mind and upholding standards of accuracy and honesty.
With nationwide and local testing locations in Courtney, TX, accessing drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience through its extensive network of test centers, offering quick and efficient access for varied needs.
The vast availability and accessibility of testing centers in Courtney, TX ease the testing process. This widespread presence supports organizations and individuals in fulfilling testing requirements promptly, with minimal disruption.
In Courtney, TX, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed for privacy and convenience, ensuring users' concerns about confidentiality are addressed effectively.
This streamlined process in Courtney, TX guarantees that taking a hair test is straightforward. With a focus on customer confidentiality, the experience remains private, offering reassurance and ease throughout the procedure.
Accredited Drug Testing in Courtney, TX offers affordable pricing and quick turnarounds. Our competitive rates ensure excellent value while maintaining exceptional service standards crucial for businesses seeking thorough, reliable test results.
Offering competitive pricing structured to suit all businesses, our Courtney, TX location assures swift, cost-effective solutions for drug testing needs. This approach guarantees peace of mind through affordable, dependable, and efficient service delivery.
In Courtney, TX, hair follicle testing offers fast, precise, and reliable results. These tests swiftly detect substance use with unmatched accuracy. Compared to other methods, hair follicle tests provide a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, reinforcing the trustworthiness of test outcomes and ensuring compliance with required standards.
Hair follicle testing stands out in delivering immediate and accurate results. This method expedites the detection process, making it an ideal choice for businesses in Courtney, TX seeking dependable solutions to maintain work environment integrity and sustain employee safety and productivity.
Employers in Courtney, TX experience peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It reduces legal risks, enhances safety, and fosters a secure environment.
Utilizing hair tests in Courtney, TX reassures companies with a compliant process, aligning with zero-tolerance policies. This method safeguards against risks and supports a drug-free workplace, contributing significantly to organizational stability.
