Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting the use of alcohol and drugs. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing an extended history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug or alcohol use for roughly up to three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) should provide around 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, a larger sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. In this context, head hair means scalp hair exclusively, while body hair includes all other hair types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the start of processing a sample within a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample's seal and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any remaining data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive results require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If the Screening indicates a presumptive positive, extra hair is retrieved from the original sample for the Extraction process. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), hence why hair drug testing is complex.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is executed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lago Vista, TX
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. Its superior detection accuracy allows for a comprehensive assessment of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which primarily detect recent use, hair testing provides a broader view of an individual's history, making it a preferred choice for many.
In terms of reliability, hair testing offers significant advantages. It's less prone to tampering, and its extended detection window provides a fuller understanding of an individual's drug use pattern, surpassing the limitations of urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Lago Vista, TX
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window gives employers in Lago Vista a detailed view of an individual's substance use habits, beyond what typical tests offer.
This thorough approach helps businesses make informed decisions about prospective employees, ensuring a more informed hiring process by providing insights that shorter detection periods can't match.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lago Vista, TX
The hair follicle test offers a level of tamper resistance that surpasses other drug testing methods. In Lago Vista, testing centers employ this method to ensure test integrity is maintained, lowering the risk of adulteration and yielding reliable results.
With observed collection and inherent resistance to tampering, hair tests minimize doubts about result authenticity. This method gives employers and individuals peace of mind in the credibility of their drug screening processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lago Vista, TX
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a wide network of centers nationwide, ensuring residents of Lago Vista have easy access to testing. This extensive reach simplifies the testing process, providing a hassle-free experience for all.
With numerous local facilities, the convenience of quick access to drug testing services is unparalleled, supporting individuals and businesses alike with prompt and reliable services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lago Vista, TX
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. In Lago Vista, patient privacy is a top priority, ensuring comfort and ease throughout the testing experience.
By maintaining a discrete process, Accredited Drug Testing assures individuals that their information remains protected, enhancing user confidence in our services while simplifying drug screening.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lago Vista, TX
Our hair follicle drug testing services in Lago Vista feature competitive pricing structures and quick result turnaround. We strive to deliver excellent value, making our services accessible to businesses of any size.
Quick processing times combined with cost-effectiveness make hair follicle testing a practical choice, providing peace of mind through dependable testing that's financially viable.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lago Vista, TX
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in detecting drug use. Compared to traditional methods, they offer higher accuracy, ensuring substance use is identified accurately. This quick and reliable method is ideal for both employers and individuals looking for trustworthy testing solutions in Lago Vista.
The rapid turnaround time paired with dependable outcomes makes hair follicle testing invaluable. When time is of the essence, and accuracy is paramount, this testing method provides the assurance everyone seeks.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lago Vista, TX
Hair follicle testing helps Lago Vista employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, elevating workplace safety and reducing legal risks. This method ensures stringent compliance, offering robustness that many organizations need.
For companies aiming to maintain zero-tolerance policies, hair testing guarantees thoroughness and alleviates concerns regarding policy enforcement, thus providing peace of mind in regulatory adherence.
