Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling has gained recognition as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about the same width as a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp can provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a lab drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial integration into the lab system, encompassing verification of the sample's secure sealing and transport, assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary swift examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage for most samples, a court-admissible screen requires validation. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
A sample that tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase will have additional hair pulled from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, the extraction of drugs from hair occurs at substantially lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), indicating why hair drug screening is the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Hankamer, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine exams in various ways. With a detection window of up to 90 days, it provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history—far beyond the mere days covered by urine tests. This feature becomes invaluable for employers seeking consistent compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
Notably, hair follicle tests offer a higher accuracy rate and reliability in detecting a wider range of substances. The challenges faced by urine tests, such as sample adulteration, are practically eliminated with hair analysis, thereby enhancing result integrity.
Extended Detection Window
In Hankamer, TX, one of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, capable of tracing drug use up to 90 days back. This advantage allows employers to garner a comprehensive view of an employee or applicant's substance use history, thereby making well-informed decisions.
This prolonged detection period ensures that occasional lapses are captured, offering a thorough exposure of patterns rather than just recent behavior. Consequently, it serves as a reliable tool in maintaining stringent workplace substance policies
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Hankamer, TX, are renowned for their tamper-resistance, significantly mitigating the risk of sample manipulation. Unlike other testing methods susceptible to adulteration, hair testing provides an unalterable result, offering businesses reliable evaluations for substance use inquiries.
This testing mechanism's robustness is rooted in its capacity to capture traces embedded within hair's keratin structure. This feature ensures sample integrity is maintained throughout the examination process, delivering precise outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations
Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to testing services with convenient national and local facilities in Hankamer, TX. The extensive network of testing centers guarantees swift and hassle-free access, accommodating time-sensitive requirements for both employers and individuals.
These strategically placed locations provide accessible options without travel inconvenience, allowing timely and effective completion of necessary drug screenings for a seamless experience.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results in Hankamer, TX, is straightforward and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns effectively from start to finish.
Every stage, from testing appointment booking to receiving results, prioritizes confidentiality, offering ease and assurance. This protection of personal information fosters trust and encourages voluntary testing participation.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Hankamer, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. The fast turnaround of results aids quick decision-making processes for businesses of all sizes, optimizing the value provided.
By offering a cost-effective solution paired with expedited results, companies benefit from a practical and effective resource in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Hankamer, TX, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its remarkable speed and precision. This method boasts an unparalleled accuracy rate, effectively detecting even minimal traces of substance use. With swift processing times, results are delivered promptly, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals.
Unlike standard methods, hair testing's technologically advanced analysis ensures reliable outcomes that can be trusted. The superior accuracy provided by these tests makes them a preferred choice for organizations seeking dependable assessments of substance use behavior.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Hankamer, TX, ensures workplace compliance with drug-free policies, providing employers peace of mind. Through reliable and accurate testing, businesses can significantly reduce their legal risks while enhancing overall safety.
These tests foster a culture of accountability, reinforcing substance-free standards within a business environment. The accurate detection of substance use ensures that employers can take proactive measures, promoting a healthy, productive workspace.