Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the hair fibers during their growth. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Moreover, hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is preferred. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable amount of body hair may be taken. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test processing involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial processing into the lab's system. This involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening begins with a preliminary drug abuse check. While Screening is economically efficient to rule out usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court validity. Presumptively positive Screening samples need further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Paducah, TX, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests due to their superior detection range and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which only trace recent usage, hair testing offers a broader view of an individual’s drug intake history, ensuring that past substance abuse is not overlooked.
The accuracy of hair follicle tests in detecting substance use is unrivaled. With urine tests, the possibilities of adulteration and false negatives are significant concerns. Hair tests eliminate these worries, presenting results that mirror true substance consumption behaviors.
Extended Detection Window
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over a staggering period of up to 90 days makes it invaluable for employers in Paducah, TX, seeking a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history. This extended window allows for a deep dive into patterns of use that urine tests simply cannot provide.
Employers gain confidence in the hiring process through the comprehensive insights offered by a hair test's broad detection period. The foresight gained equips businesses with a complete picture of potential hires, aiding in sound decision-making and fostering a safer work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests substantially mitigate the risk of tampering, a common issue with other drug testing methods. In Paducah, TX, businesses benefit from the provision of reliable, unquestionable results that guard against sample adulteration, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.
For employers prioritizing authenticity in drug screening, hair follicle tests are the gold standard. The reduced risk of tamper, coupled with stringent collection protocols, ensures that results remain accurate and representative of true substance use patterns.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing’s extensive network boasts locations across Paducah, TX, and beyond. This widespread access provides clients with quick and convenient testing services, removing barriers commonly faced during the drug testing process.
Individuals and companies alike benefit from the ease of accessing our testing facilities. With nationwide and local centers readily available, drug testing becomes a seamless experience that accommodates the busy schedules of employers, referred individuals, and more.
Simple, Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing procedure in Paducah, TX, is designed to be simple, swift, and confidential. This ensures that privacy concerns are addressed and the process is user-friendly, making it easier for individuals to partake in testing without hesitations or disruptions.
From the point of ordering a test to receiving results, every step is crafted to be convenient and confidential. This seamless approach demystifies the testing experience, allowing users to engage in the process comfortably and assured of their privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing paired with quick result delivery is what Paducah, TX businesses can expect from hair follicle tests. Offering excellent value, these tests cater to enterprises of varying sizes, ensuring that employers receive quality service without incurring excessive costs.
The fast turnaround times associated with hair follicle testing are essential for time-sensitive decisions. This efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of cost, as accredited services remain affordable, underscoring the value that businesses receive from this rigorous testing method.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Paducah, TX, hair follicle drug tests provide a breakthrough with their unmatched precision and expedited results. Known for their high accuracy, these tests can detect substance intake reliably, granting you confidence in knowing that the results reflect genuine substance use or abstinence.
Employers across various industries have come to rely on the speed at which hair follicle tests return results. This swift process not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures that businesses in Paducah remain at the forefront of employee safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
By integrating hair follicle testing into their policies, employers in Paducah, TX, can confidently ensure compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. The lowered legal risks this approach confers are complemented by an enhancement in overall workplace safety, granting business leaders peace of mind.
With zero-tolerance policies, accurate drug testing is crucial. Hair follicle tests offer a reliable method to maintain a compliant and secure work environment, helping employers avoid pitfalls associated with drug-related incidents and non-compliance penalties.
