Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug assessments in McAllen, Texas. When in need of a hair drug or alcohol examination, our specialization lies in hair screenings, with facilities in every city across the country to administer a test. Usually, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body are sufficient. Hair analyses can assess drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing options.
Over the past few years, there has been a shift towards using hair follicle tests for drug screening. Many employers, courts, and substance abuse experts now prefer hair tests over urine tests. These tests are particularly popular among zero-tolerance employers, legal authorities, and individuals under probation. The main advantage of hair tests is their enhanced detection span of up to 90 days, with supervised collection minimizing cheating. Yet, urine tests remain most precise for detecting recent drug use within the past 5 days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying the intake of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures biomarker evidence within the growing strand's fibers, offering a prolonged record of substance use. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage for a window of up to roughly 3 months. It's easy to collect, difficult to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
To obtain the optimal sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair. This is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional requirements, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be sampled. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid evaluation for controlled substances. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive Screening result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair testing is the most complex methodology.
Final confirmation for any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed pre-confirmation as needed. Every step from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In McAllen, TX, the debate over hair vs. urine testing leans towards hair due to its superior detection reliability. Not only does hair testing capture a wider spectrum of substance usage, but it also outshines urine tests with an extended detection timeline. This broader capability secures thorough insights into patterns of use. Unlike traditional urine assessments, hair tests provide a robust framework for evaluating long-term consumption.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in McAllen, TX, is known for its remarkable detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This longevity offers employers a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's drug history. Unlike other methods, hair screening's broad time frame captures a more comprehensive usage profile, allowing employers to make more informed evaluations regarding substance involvement over a prolonged period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in McAllen, TX, is its resistance to tampering. The reliability of hair testing minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration, guaranteeing credible outcomes. As a robust measure against manipulation tactics, hair tests assure stakeholders of genuine results, significantly mitigating the risk of deceitful practices commonly associated with more traditional testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accessible throughout McAllen, TX, our widespread testing locations ensure hassle-free drug testing services. Our extensive network of centers across the nation, including local options, guarantees straightforward access. Quick and seamless, our locations provide trouble-free testing experiences, allowing individuals and companies to conveniently meet their testing requirements efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process
In McAllen, TX, the hair follicle test procedure remains straightforward and confidential from start to finish. Ordering, undertaking the test, and receiving results involve minimal hassle, with a strong emphasis on privacy. Our discreet process ensures participant confidentiality, addressing prevalent concerns over sensitive information while delivering a user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Companies in McAllen, TX, benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround of hair follicle tests. Recognizing diverse business needs, our economical structures do not compromise service quality. This quick processing provides excellent value, combined with swift result delivery, ensuring readiness for timely decision-making regardless of company size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In McAllen, TX, hair follicle tests offer swift and precise drug detection. Their high accuracy level ensures trustworthy results, providing solid confirmation of substance use. Companies benefit from immediate access to reliable data, facilitating timely decision-making. The integration of advanced techniques enhances the test's ability to detect even minute traces of substances promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in McAllen, TX, gain assurance from hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with strict drug-free policies, diminishing legal threats and enhancing security in the workplace. Using hair testing supports adherence to regulatory frameworks, providing a sense of assurance for companies aiming to uphold a safe environment. Ultimately, this testing method promotes overall workplace reliability and security.
