Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hillsboro, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a comprehensive record of substance use over a longer period. Collecting hair near the scalp allows for approximately a 3-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transportable.

To collect an ideal sample, about 200 strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) yielding 100mg of hair is optimal for evaluation and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is suggested. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair is a substitute. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial and underarm hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing for drug test results involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation as key steps.

Accessioning refers to the process where a sample is initially handled within a laboratory system. This process checks the sample's seal and proper shipping, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adds any needed information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial, rapid evaluation for drug misuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in many cases, a positive screening result must be confirmed, especially for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require additional confirmation testing.

Should a sample test positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair testing a complex methodology.

Any positive results from Screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples that are presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have briefer detection periods.
• Hard to deceive: The integrity of hair drug tests is challenging to compromise, ensuring more accurate outcomes.
• Tracks usage history: Hair testing reveals patterns of substance use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days after use to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically costs more than other methods.
• Results variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth patterns can influence drug metabolite levels within the hair.

Note: Despite the common reference as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Hillsboro, TX, the benefits are clear. Hair tests allow for a more comprehensive detection of substance use, showcasing greater accuracy and consistency. Unlike urine tests, the hair method provides a broader view of an individual's substance usage over time.

Hair specimen analysis surpasses urine testing due to its reliability and resistance to manipulation. This method ensures that employers can trust the results they receive, reducing the worry of deceitful practices impacting drug testing outcomes and ensuring policy compliance.

Extended Detection Window

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Hillsboro, TX, is its extended detection window. This method allows for the identification of substance use over a period of up to 90 days, offering a thorough overview of a person's drug use history.

Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an employee or applicant's past behaviors, facilitating better hiring decisions. This long-term detection method outperforms options that only measure recent usage, providing a fuller picture of an individual's history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Hillsboro, TX, offers a robust approach to minimizing sample tampering risks. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, providing authentic and trustworthy results that withstand scrutiny.

This testing method ensures that the integrity of the sample is retained, making it a reliable choice for employers. The significant reduction in the likelihood of compromised samples bolsters confidence in the assessment outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing centers located nationwide, including Hillsboro, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers unmatched convenience. Clients save time and effort with easy access to testing facilities, ensuring a seamless experience that accommodates various scheduling needs.

Local and national accessibility ensures that testing services are within reach, making it simple for individuals and businesses alike to obtain the necessary evaluations without undue hurdles or travel burdens.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Hillsboro, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. The ease of ordering tests, submitting samples, and receiving results assures clients of privacy and user-friendly experience.

This discreet method respects clients' confidentiality needs while providing a simple testing journey, reducing anxiety associated with complicated procedures, and ensuring a seamless interaction from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing, Accredited Drug Testing in Hillsboro, TX, ensures that companies receive excellent value for their investment in reliable drug testing solutions. The fast turnaround times complement the affordability, allowing businesses to maintain swift operations.

By balancing cost-effectiveness with rapid service, clients can trust in the ability to manage their drug testing programs without financial strain, achieving peace of mind at a reasonable expense.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Hillsboro, TX, hair follicle drug tests are known for their rapid and accurate results. The procedure ensures that substances are detected with high precision, providing clear data on an individual's substance use history. This accuracy enables employers to make informed decisions, minimizing uncertainties related to drug usage.

The effectiveness in detecting drugs quickly makes hair testing an ideal choice, offering fast assessment without compromising on precision. In workplaces, the fast delivery of results aids in maintaining operational efficiency, allowing businesses to focus on core activities with the assurance of a drug-free environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Hillsboro, TX, hair follicle testing provides compliance with drug-free policies, ensuring a safer working environment. Implementing this testing method reduces legal liabilities and enhances overall workplace safety by deterring substance use.

This approach grants companies peace of mind, knowing that their drug-free protocols are being upheld, supporting a healthy and productive work culture without the fear of legal repercussions associated with drug use violations.

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