Accredited Drug Testing conducts comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in Hills Prairie, Texas. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol analysis, we specialize in this testing type, with centers across all U.S. cities. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is required. Hair analyses may include drug detection, alcohol/ETG, or can be customized for specific hair tests.
Lately, hair follicle drug testing has become a more common method for detecting drug use. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts now prefer hair testing over traditional urine tests. This method benefits employers enforcing strict drug policies and judicial entities with its extended detection period of up to 90 days, non-tamper collection, and difficulty to alter results. However, urine tests remain more precise for recent substance use within a 5-day window.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record for alcohol and drugs, capturing biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. By collecting hair near the scalp, a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs is achievable. Hair is easy to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg of the sample. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to hair from the scalp. Body hair includes all other hair forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data required not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. All samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
When a specimen is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screen outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Verification is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination itself targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hills Prairie, TX
In Hills Prairie, hair follicle tests are favored for their superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. Employers appreciate their accuracy and the reliability they provide. While urine tests work for detecting very recent use, hair tests offer a broader range, efficiently identifying substances used months before.
Extended Detection Window in Hills Prairie, TX
Hair follicle testing offers Hills Prairie employers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This is ideal for gaining a thorough understanding of potential hires or employees' drug use history. This approach gives companies confidence that their drug policies are respected beyond immediate short-term use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hills Prairie, TX
Hair follicle testing in Hills Prairie is known for its tamper-resistant nature, minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. This leads to results that are both trustworthy and difficult to contest, thereby supporting organizations in maintaining credibility in their testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Hills Prairie, TX
Hills Prairie residents benefit from numerous nationwide testing centers. These locations offer convenient, quick, and hassle-free access to drug testing services, making it easy for individuals and businesses to get necessary testing done without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hills Prairie, TX
In Hills Prairie, the hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and confidential. Clients experience ease in ordering tests, providing hair samples, and receiving results, all while privacy is maintained at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hills Prairie, TX
Businesses in Hills Prairie enjoy competitive pricing and swift response times with hair follicle tests. This offers excellent value and prompt service for companies of varying sizes, ensuring satisfaction without burdening budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hills Prairie, TX
With hair follicle testing, individuals in Hills Prairie get swift and precise results. This testing method is renowned for its high-level accuracy in detecting substance usage, offering definitive outcomes. Labs process hair samples efficiently, ensuring timelines are met without sacrificing integrity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hills Prairie, TX
Employers in Hills Prairie gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to workplace drug policies. This method mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety by providing assured compliance and reassurance.