Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Crane, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended historical record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to around 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple for transporting.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and validation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for accurate weighing. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process in the lab for processing a drug test outcome consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial phase where a sample gets processed into the lab's system. This phase verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entries not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it effectively rules out drug usage for most samples affordably, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold up legally. Samples that test positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample test positive in the Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at concentrations much lower compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging.

Positive screening outcomes undergo confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive are cleaned before further confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes reviews under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter window.
• Difficulty to cheat: It's significantly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, thus ensuring more reliable results.
• Provides historical data: It provides a timeline of drug use over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become identifiable in hair.
• Cost: Hair tests generally incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Variations in results: Drug metabolite concentrations in hair can be influenced by factors like hair color and personal growth rates.

Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Crane, TX, hair testing provides numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests allows for more reliable results, making them a preferred method for ensuring substance-use policies are upheld.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Crane, TX excels in detecting drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window offers a comprehensive account of an individual’s substance history, invaluable for employers wanting a complete evaluation.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Crane, TX clients benefit from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, providing reliable results that leave no room for doubt. Hair samples offer an unaltered history of drug use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing locations nationwide, Crane, TX clients enjoy quick and hassle-free access to our services. Our numerous centers ensure easy availability, allowing for efficient and straightforward testing procedures wherever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

The testing process in Crane, TX is simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure respects client privacy at all stages, ensuring ease of use without compromising personal data.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Crane, TX businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Offering excellent value, our services cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective and timely results that foster business confidence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The benefits of hair follicle tests in Crane, TX include their speed and reliability. These tests offer rapid results with a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use. Precision is key in hair testing, ensuring that substances used in the past three months are identified effectively.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Crane, TX find peace of mind using hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free work policies. These tests help reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety, supporting a more secure and compliant working environment.

Drug Testing Near Crane, TX

Baldridge, TX

Upton, TX

McCamey, TX

Girvin, TX

Arcade, TX

Thorntonville, TX

Monahans, TX

Douro, TX

Penwell, TX

Royalty, TX

Grandfalls, TX

Imperial, TX