Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hudson Bend, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a formidable means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair locks in biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a long-term history of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can show a detection window of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is somewhat hard to tamper with, and it's easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels beyond the basic 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We recommend using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. The term head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the introduction of a sample into the lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for substances. Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, but a positive result requires confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which partly explains why hair screening challenges execution.

Confirmation for any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair testing can identify drug use up to 90 days, surpassing urine tests with a shorter detection range.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair tests are difficult to manipulate, resulting in more accurate outcomes.
• History tracking: It offers a longitudinal perspective on substance use patterns, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Delayed detection: Drugs become detectable in hair usually 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Higher cost: Hair tests typically cost more than alternative testing approaches.
• Result variability: Hair color and growth rate differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why opt for hair follicle testing over urine in Hudson Bend, TX? Hair tests excel with their superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a broad detection window, easily revealing regular substance use patterns.
Hair testing stands out, offering more reliable results and reducing chances to evade detection. This superiority is invaluable for employers and judicial contexts alike.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Hudson Bend, TX, appreciate the extensive detection span of hair follicle tests, covering up to 90 days. This long window allows businesses to make well-informed hiring decisions, spot habitual substance use, and maintain a safe work environment.
By reviewing an individual's historical drug use, companies can better assess potential risks and ensure policies are enforced effectively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Hudson Bend, TX, hair follicle testing's resilience against tampering makes it a preferred choice. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are difficult to adulterate or substitute, ensuring credible results.
This robust characteristic provides organizations with confidence in the accuracy of the test outcomes, thus reinforcing their substance-testing procedures and minimizing disputes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our Hudson Bend, TX location, along with accessible centers nationwide, provides hassle-free testing services. Multiple venues ensure quick access to hair follicle tests, minimizing downtime for prospective or current employees.
With comprehensive coverage, scheduling a test is easy and efficient, meeting the needs of both individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Hudson Bend, TX is both simple and confidential, catering to privacy concerns effectively. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward, allowing individuals and organizations to focus on core responsibilities.
Confidential handling of test results builds trust among participants, further supporting straightforward testing arrangements.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Attractive pricing and swift results make our hair follicle tests in Hudson Bend, TX a great solution for companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing allows businesses to conduct necessary screenings without incurring significant expenses.
Fast turnaround times alleviate stress and contribute to a seamless hiring or compliance assessment process, ensuring value and confidence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Hudson Bend, TX, hair follicle testing shines with its rapid and dependable outcomes. Its precise detection of substance use sets it apart from other methods. Employers benefit from swift turnaround times, crucial in maintaining efficient human resource operations.
The high accuracy rate of hair follicle drug tests diminishes the likelihood of incorrect results, bolstering trust in the screening process.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Hudson Bend, TX, hair follicle tests offer peace of mind and compliance assurance. Aligning with drug-free policies, this method markedly reduces legal challenges and bolsters workplace safety.
Knowing that the testing process is secure and complies with regulations, employers can focus their efforts on maintaining a productive work atmosphere.

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