Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Del Valle, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures long-term use history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step includes verifying the sample's seal and shipping condition, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial evaluation for drug abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for it to be valid in court. Any samples that appear positive at the Screening stage need additional confirmation.

If a sample is positive at Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening particularly challenging.

Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Difficulty to tamper: Hair drug tests are challenging to manipulate, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: It can exhibit a pattern of drug usage over time rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Del Valle, TX

• Hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests in numerous ways, primarily through its superior detection accuracy and extended detection period.
• In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests offer a more reliable interpretation of an individual's drug history, benefiting employers and other stakeholders in Del Valle, TX.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Del Valle, TX

• One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days.
• This method provides employers in Del Valle, TX with a comprehensive view of an individual's past substance use, crucial for making informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Del Valle, TX

• Hair follicle tests reduce the risk of tampering, providing reliable and clear results that withstand scrutiny.
• In Del Valle, TX, individuals attempting to adulterate samples find it nearly impossible with hair testing, thus maintaining the integrity of the test outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Del Valle, TX

• Our extensive network of testing centers provides quick and hassle-free access, both nationwide and locally in Del Valle, TX.
• This accessibility ensures that individuals can easily undergo testing, reinforcing the convenience and efficiency of our services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Del Valle, TX

• The process of hair follicle testing in Del Valle, TX is straightforward and highly confidential, assuring privacy in every step from order to results.
• This simplicity makes it easier for all parties involved to engage with the testing process without concerns over confidentiality breaches.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Del Valle, TX

• Our competitive pricing models and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable option for businesses in Del Valle, TX.
• With an emphasis on providing value and peace of mind, companies of all sizes can benefit from these strategic advantages.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Del Valle, TX

• Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision. These tests provide a higher accuracy level in detecting substance use, attending to the need for reliable results.
• The speed of obtaining results from hair follicle testing in Del Valle, TX is another factor that sets it apart, ensuring timely updates on substance usage findings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Del Valle, TX

• The use of hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with strict workplace drug-free policies, aiding in reducing legal risks.
• Employers in Del Valle, TX benefit from the enhanced workplace safety associated with robust drug testing methods.

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