Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an effective method for identifying the usage of alcohol and drugs. Hair captures long-standing evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to approximately three months for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. When focusing on head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This involves making sure the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary fast assessment for drugs of misuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing potential positive results in Screening necessitate additional verification.
If a sample shows potential positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive result from screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before verification if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Weaknesses:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Creedmoor, TX
When comparing hair testing with traditional urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection capabilities. While urine tests may miss past uses, hair follicle tests offer a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This ensures greater accuracy and reliability, making hair tests a preferred choice for institutions in Creedmoor, TX.
Extended Detection Window in Creedmoor, TX
One of the most compelling reasons to choose hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it provides employers in Creedmoor, TX, with a thorough insight into an employee's substance habits. This long-range view assists employers in making informed decisions about potential and current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Creedmoor, TX
Hair follicle testing stands out for being a tamper-resistant method. While urine samples can be adulterated with relative ease, hair samples provide unassailable results. For businesses and institutions in Creedmoor, TX, this ensures that all test outcomes remain unquestionably reliable and free from manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Creedmoor, TX
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including local options in Creedmoor, TX. Ensuring swift and easy access, our locations facilitate a hassle-free experience for anyone needing drug testing services, supporting both individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Creedmoor, TX
The process of hair follicle testing through Accredited Drug Testing in Creedmoor, TX is both simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is designed to safeguard privacy and ensure ease of use. Our approach addresses concerns of confidentiality, maintaining trust with all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Creedmoor, TX
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. We understand the need for cost-efficiency without compromising quality. Businesses in Creedmoor, TX can rely on us for excellent value and consistent peace of mind, assuring them of both affordability and quality service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Creedmoor, TX
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their capability to deliver fast and reliable results. Unlike other testing methods, they are capable of accurately detecting a broad range of substances even after a long timeframe. In Creedmoor, TX, choosing hair tests ensures businesses benefit from quick processing times and higher accuracy in identifying substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Creedmoor, TX
For employers, ensuring a drug-free workplace is crucial. Hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with workplace policies, thereby reducing legal risks. For Creedmoor, TX businesses, this testing method offers not only assurance of safety but also peace of mind that operational integrity is upheld.