Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are increasingly seen as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a comprehensive timeline of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month history for alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for examination and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If no scalp hair is present, a comparable quantity of body hair is permissible. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the first stages of sample input into a lab's system, ensuring the sample's seal and correct shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, confirmed results are necessary for legal admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positives during Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a far lesser concentration than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Validation of positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to verification as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests in Lytle, TX, hair testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities. While urine tests typically only reveal recent substance use, hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing a comprehensive image of an individual’s drug history. This makes them especially useful for employers and organizations maintaining drug-free policies.
The reliability of hair follicle tests surpasses that of urine tests, as they are less susceptible to tampering. The difficulty in altering hair samples contributes to their credibility and ensures results you can trust, providing a decisive edge over urine testing methodologies.
In Lytle, TX, hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window, providing insights into drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This long-term detection is invaluable for employers seeking a thorough review of a candidate’s or employee’s drug history. By revealing substance use patterns, hair testing delivers a complete and reliable picture.
Employers can better assess the long-term habits of individuals, ensuring that their workforce aligns with organizational policies. This depth of analysis distinguishes hair tests from more conventional methods, where the detection period is notably shorter.
Hair follicle testing in Lytle, TX, offers a robust solution against sample adulteration, providing results that are both dependable and indisputable. The integrity of the testing process is maintained, significantly reducing any chances of tampering. The nature of hair samples ensures the authenticity of the results, providing peace of mind.
This method’s inherent resistance to manipulation makes it an ideal choice for employers and organizations prioritizing reliable drug testing protocols. With nearly foolproof security, hair follicle tests stand out as a trustworthy tool in maintaining substance-free environments.
Accessing drug testing services is simple and convenient with Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide network, spanning locations in Lytle, TX. Our widespread centers ensure swift, hassle-free services, making it easy to get tested promptly. Lytle residents and businesses can rely on these local amenities for efficient testing solutions.
The convenience of having nearby testing centers allows for quick access to necessary services without the burden of extensive travel. This accessibility supports immediate and flexible testing arrangements to meet varying needs.
Our process for hair follicle testing in Lytle, TX, is both simple and confidential, ensuring a smooth experience from order to results. Privacy concerns are addressed with the utmost respect, safeguarding sensitive information throughout the testing process. Clients can feel at ease knowing their data is protected.
The straightforward steps in obtaining and completing a test minimize complexity, focusing on ease of use and a transparent flow from testing to receiving results. This user-friendly approach enhances client satisfaction and trust in our services.
In Lytle, TX, Accredited Drug Testing stands out for its competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, offering outstanding value for companies of all sizes. Our commitment to affordability allows businesses to prioritize safety without straining their budget. We ensure that top-notch testing services are within reach for everyone.
The quick processing of results means that you receive timely information critical to making well-informed decisions. This efficiency, coupled with reasonable costs, makes our testing services an excellent choice for responsible employers.
In Lytle, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision in identifying substance use. They deliver results that are both fast and accurate, making them a preferred choice in ensuring workplace safety and reliability. The speed with which results are processed guarantees that informed decisions can be made promptly.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing is particularly notable, making it a reliable tool for detecting drug use. The advanced technology employed ensures that even the smallest traces of substances are identified, providing a clear and comprehensive overview of substance use.
Employers in Lytle, TX, benefit from using hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and liabilities while promoting a safer work environment. Choosing hair testing helps assure transparency and confidence in drug testing outcomes, supporting peace of mind.
By opting for hair follicle testing, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a strict adherence to drug policies, enhancing the overall workplace safety and compliance. This, in turn, fosters trust and integrity within the workforce.
