Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a historical record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol exposure over a period extending up to three months. Hair samples are straightforward to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment made up of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair can't be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, and so forth).
Process Overview
The principal stages in laboratory handling of a drug testing specimen include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves validating that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, attributing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any outstanding data absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an expedited assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for eliminating drug use for the majority of tests, a positive screening necessitates subsequent confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples marked presumptively positive during the Screening stage must undergo additional confirmation.
In cases where a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or saliva), contributing to the complex nature of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples yielding a presumptive positive screening result are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The end-to-end laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Prevails Hair follicle testing in Kinwood, TX, offers unique benefits over urine tests. The ability to detect drug use over a long period provides an employer or court with a more complete history, making it a more reliable option.
Traditional urine tests detect drugs for a shorter timeframe, whereas hair testing excels in offering a long detection window up to 90 days. This reinforces the accuracy and thoroughness of hair testing methods.
In Kinwood, TX, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, offering insights into an individual's substance use patterns over the last 90 days. This is crucial for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace.
The ability to track substance use over months, rather than days, makes hair follicle tests a superior choice for understanding an employee's longer-term habits and ensuring workplace safety.
Hair follicle tests in Kinwood, TX, are highly resistant to tampering, making them an ideal choice for reliable results. The nature of the testing methodology ensures that samples are not easily adulterated.
By significantly reducing the risk of sample tampering, hair follicle testing provides peace of mind for those requiring authenticity and accuracy in drug testing outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Kinwood, TX. This network ensures that drug testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free.
Our extensive testing locations enable individuals and organizations to access drug testing with minimal disruptions, providing a seamless and efficient process wherever you are!
The hair follicle testing process in Kinwood, TX, is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while offering ease of use. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are designed with user-friendliness in mind.
With a straightforward and discreet method, clients can confidently undergo testing knowing their privacy is a priority throughout the process.
Kinwood, TX, offers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing, along with fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value for companies of all sizes.
With a focus on affordability and efficiency, businesses can trust that they will receive valuable services without compromising on quality or time.
In Kinwood, TX, hair follicle drug tests are known for their remarkable accuracy in detecting substance use. This method provides quick and precise results, making it a preferred choice for those seeking fast and reliable testing solutions.
The speed and precision of hair follicle testing ensure that individuals and employers receive results that they can trust. This method reduces uncertainties and offers a clear picture of substance use over a longer period.
Using hair follicle testing in Kinwood, TX, ensures that employers maintain compliance with drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.
Maintaining compliance with workplace standards is critical, and hair testing helps employers achieve this goal through reliable and comprehensive drug screening methods.
