Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Rankin, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, offering a longitudinal profile of substance use. When taken close to the scalp, hair can provide about a 90-day detection span for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and conveniently transportable.

A sample of 1.5 inches in length, comprising roughly 200 hairs (about a #2 pencil's diameter), taken near the scalp yields 100mg—the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically, while body hair covers all other types (face, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that the electronic chain of custody system doesn't provide.

Screening offers a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While this method is efficient at ruling out drug use for many samples, a positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples showing initial positive results in Screening need a further validation step.

For samples presumptively positive in the Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the challenges of hair drug testing.

Confirmation of a positive screen is performed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter periods.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating in hair drug tests is exceedingly difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Historical usage insight: It tracks use patterns over extended periods, not just recent activity.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot capture recent use: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expensive: Hair drug tests typically cost more than alternative methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and growth differences can alter drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Rankin, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by providing enhanced detection and reliability. Employers and legal systems benefit from its superior accuracy.

A notable advantage of hair testing is its prolonged detection window, offering a more complete understanding of usage patterns compared to urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Rankin, TX offers an extended detection window, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history.

This comprehensive view aids employers in evaluating an employee or candidate's long-term substance use habits, supporting more informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Rankin, TX, hair follicle tests provide tamper-resistant solutions to ensure authentic results, challenging any attempts at sample manipulation.

This method's robustness delivers undeniable reliability, strengthening the validity of drug testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Rankin, TX enjoys the convenience of nationwide testing centers that facilitate easy and accessible drug testing services.

Local and national availability ensures hassle-free access, accommodating the needs of various clients and locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Rankin, TX, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, safeguarding privacy at every stage, from ordering to receiving results.

This ease of use addresses privacy concerns while streamlining the testing experience for clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Rankin, TX offers cost-effective pricing and quick turnarounds for hair follicle tests, making it a viable option for businesses of all sizes.

Competitive rates and prompt service enhance the value delivered to companies seeking reliable testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Rankin, TX, hair follicle drug testing offers fast and precise results. This method ensures accuracy and swiftly identifies traces of substance use.

The test's sophisticated analysis provides reliable results, making it a preferred option for verifying drug use history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Rankin, TX benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and promoting safety.

Offering peace of mind, this method aligns with compliance standards, supporting a healthier work environment.

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