Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Henderson, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collected from near the scalp, hair samples can reveal a detection timeframe extending up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—this is the optimal sample size for preliminary tests and confirmations. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or assessments surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advisable. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a proportional quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair, while body hair denotes any other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test laboratory operation encompasses four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into the lab's system. This process entails verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening represents a preliminary fast assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to discard drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be accepted in legal settings. Any samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening need an additional confirmation.

Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), indicating why hair drug screening remains the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo pre-confirmation washing as deemed necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection period: Hair drug assessments can spot drug usage up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a briefer detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Chronological usage data: It provides a timeline of drug use over an extended duration, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: Drugs may take approximately 5-7 days to become visible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are often pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth rates may influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Henderson, TX

• Hair testing offers superior accuracy compared to traditional urine tests.
• The method provides a more reliable detection period, extending up to 90 days.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Henderson, TX

• Hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days.
• They provide a detailed overview of an individual’s substance usage history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Henderson, TX

• Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering.
• It provides reliable results that are difficult to dispute.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Henderson, TX

• Our extensive national network simplifies access to testing services.
• Quick, easy, and hassle-free solutions are readily available for testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Henderson, TX

• Simplicity and confidentiality are hallmarks of our testing process.
• Users enjoy ease of use and privacy, from ordering to results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Henderson, TX

• Our competitive pricing structures suit businesses of all scales.
• We offer fast turnaround times along with excellent value.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Henderson, TX

• Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed.
• These tests deliver high accuracy in detecting substance use across various timeframes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Henderson, TX

• Hair testing ensures full compliance with workplace drug policies.
• It reduces legal liabilities and promotes a safe working environment.

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