Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Quanah, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair fibers capture biomarkers, offering a long-term history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equals 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary check for substance abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient way to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that indicate a positive result in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guideline and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to falsify: It is extremely tough to circumvent a hair drug test, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: Can reveal a drug use pattern over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to be traceable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug test methods.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Quanah, TX, offers significant benefits over traditional urine tests, primarily in detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of a person's drug history over time.

The accuracy of hair testing is unmatched, as it is not easily tampered with, unlike urine tests. This reliability makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for employers implementing stringent drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

In Quanah, TX, hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use over a 90-day period offers employers a broader view of an individual's substance history. This extended window is crucial for identifying patterns of drug use that short-term tests might miss.

The comprehensive detection period provided by hair follicle tests allows employers and legal entities to make informed decisions based on a person's long-term drug use, rather than only recent activities.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Quanah, TX, provide a tamper-resistant method for substance testing, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This integrity ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy.

Employers and legal authorities value the hair test's ability to produce unquestionable results, as sample manipulation is much harder than with traditional urine tests. This makes hair testing an ideal choice where accuracy is paramount.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing centers nationwide, including in Quanah, TX, ensuring quick and easy access to hair follicle drug testing. This extensive network means individuals and employers can find a location nearby, reducing travel time and increasing efficiency.

Localized testing capabilities in Quanah, TX, streamline the testing process, allowing for hassle-free scheduling and swift access to testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Quanah, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all straightforward, maintaining privacy and ease of use for participants.

Concerns about confidentiality are addressed through our secure procedures guaranteed to protect personal information. This commitment to privacy encourages wider participation in workplace testing programs.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Quanah, TX, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible for companies of all sizes. Our efficient procedures ensure that results are delivered quickly without compromising accuracy.

Employers can benefit from our cost-effective solutions, adding value while maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies and enhancing overall safety and security.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Quanah, TX, the swift and precise nature of hair follicle tests ensures their superiority in detecting substance use. Employers benefit from quick results, crucial for making informed hiring decisions. Hair testing's reliability guarantees peace of mind, knowing results accurately reflect an individual's substance history.

The high accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Quanah, TX, stems from their ability to trace drug use over extended periods. This accuracy reduces the risk of false negatives and ensures that substance abuse issues are not overlooked.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Quanah, TX, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, hair testing plays a crucial role in maintaining a drug-free environment.

Employers appreciate the security that hair testing provides, knowing that it aligns with regulatory requirements and supports an organization's commitment to safety and integrity.

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