Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has been acknowledged as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair provides an extended historical record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. Collected hair near the scalp can offer an alcohol and drug detection period of up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
An ideal sample for examination and confirmation entails a 1.5-inch section with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. Notably, head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial registration of a sample within a laboratory's system, verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court acceptance. Any samples indicated as presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
A presumptively positive sample during Screening leads to further hair extraction from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo a washing procedure prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
In Cross Timber, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in several ways. Its superior detection accuracy allows it to detect a variety of substances, covering a more extensive period for analysis. This makes it an invaluable tool for those seeking reliability over traditional urine tests.
While urine tests might fall short in detection windows, hair tests ensure a comprehensive review of an individual's drug history. This makes them particularly appealing to employers aiming for thorough assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Cross Timber, TX, is renowned for its extended detection period, capturing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a broader insight into an individual’s substance history, painting a fuller picture of their lifestyle choices.
This comprehensive detection capability means that businesses can rest assured, having reviewed an applicant's long-term behavior. The extended window offers a clear advantage over other methods.
One standout feature of hair follicle tests in Cross Timber, TX, is their tamper-resistant nature. The risk of sample adulteration is notably reduced compared to urine tests, providing a more secure and trustworthy testing method.
With the integrity of test results being critical, hair testing offers undeniable peace of mind. Its nearly impenetrable nature ensures that the outcomes are reliable, reducing doubts about test quality and authenticity.
With expansive testing locations nationwide, including local options in Cross Timber, TX, obtaining a hair follicle test is convenient and hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing ensures quick and easy access to services at numerous centers.
This extensive coverage allows for flexibility and convenience, ensuring that finding a testing site close to you is always straightforward and uncomplicated.
The process for undergoing hair follicle testing in Cross Timber, TX, is both simple and confidential. Ordering and scheduling tests is straightforward, making it accessible to all clients. Confidentiality is prioritized to ensure user comfort.
Test results are communicated with privacy and efficiency, addressing privacy concerns effectively while maintaining ease of use for all parties involved.
In Cross Timber, TX, hair follicle testing services are not only efficient but also affordable, offering competitive pricing structures. This ensures that businesses of all sizes can access testing without financial strain.
Fast turnaround times are standard, providing quick results, thus enhancing value and offering reassurance to employers keen on receiving swift and reliable outcomes.
Hair follicle drug tests excel in Cross Timber, TX, providing fast and accurate results. Their precision in substance use detection is unmatched, ensuring that results are both swift and reliable. This test type stands out by offering a high level of accuracy, capturing a broader spectrum of substance use with speed.
The process is designed for efficiency, reducing waiting times significantly and delivering timely information. Employers and individuals alike benefit from its ability to offer dependable outcomes consistently.
Employers in Cross Timber, TX, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method enhances safety and mitigates legal risks, providing a safer work environment.
By adopting hair testing, companies promote a culture of integrity and accountability, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining a healthy, secure workplace for all employees.