Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a strong method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch length of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be substituted. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, while "body hair" includes all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process involves four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is introduced into the laboratory system. This process involves verifying the sample's proper seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, positive findings must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a particularly challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is conducted using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to choosing between hair follicle and traditional urine tests in Jean, TX, hair testing stands out for its heightened detection accuracy. While urine tests might offer insight into recent substance use, hair testing provides a broader spectrum of information.
Hair tests detect a range of substances over a longer period, offering greater reliability and reducing the chance of false negatives or positives.
The hair follicle drug test is unmatched for its extensive detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers in Jean, TX seeking to understand an individual's full substance history. Instead of just capturing recent use, it provides a comprehensive view of patterns over time, making it easier for employers to make informed, reliable decisions based on an applicant or employee's past behavior.
The design of hair follicle testing inherently minimizes the risks associated with tampering. Altering the results of such tests is far more challenging compared to other methods, offering peace of mind with reliable outcomes. In Jean, TX, businesses and individuals can trust in the authenticity and certainty of their results, knowing the hair follicle tests significantly lower the chance of sample manipulation.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience through its wide-reaching network of testing centers. Jean, TX residents can easily access our efficient hair testing services, supported by a nationwide presence. With both local and nationwide locations, clients can expect quick, efficient service with minimal hassle, making testing straightforward and easily accessible.
Our process ensures that ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle drug tests in Jean, TX is quick and discreet. The simplicity and confidentiality of our services address privacy concerns, allowing clients to focus on their testing needs without worry. We prioritize your peace of mind through our user-friendly approach, ensuring efficiency and complete discretion throughout.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift results, ensuring exceptional value for organizations of all sizes based in Jean, TX. With our reasonably priced hair follicle testing services and rapid turnaround times, businesses can maintain operational efficiency without sacrificing quality, benefiting from cost-effective and timely solutions tailored to their needs.
Residents of Jean, TX benefit from prompt, precise, and dependable hair follicle drug tests. These tests provide unmatched accuracy in identifying substance usage, ensuring that your testing needs are met with top-tier results. Users can rest assured knowing that hair tests not only offer high reliability but also are conducted with utmost precision, resulting in data that stakeholders can rely on for critical decisions.
Implementing hair follicle testing as a part of a company's drug-free workplace policy supports compliance and provides assurance to employers. By choosing this method, Jean, TX employers can diminish legal risks, foster a safer environment, and reflect their dedication to maintaining a drug-free workplace. The certainty and extended detection period of hair tests offer peace of mind for all parties involved.
