Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sheldon, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair screening is recognized as an efficient means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of an extending hair strand. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. This method is straightforward for collection, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample size of 1.5 inches bearing about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When head hair is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning concerns the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s system. This entails ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data entries absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in the bulk of samples, a positive result needs confirmation before it is deemed court-admissible. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive outcome in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, extra hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive screening undergo washing before confirmation, if required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed against both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug assessments can reveal drug usage up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection span of urine tests.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test proves very difficult, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It can trace a drug use pattern over an extended timeline, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations tend to be costlier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Attributes such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth may impact drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," this procedure examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sheldon, TX

• Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests.
• The reliability of hair testing in detecting drug use is higher and more consistent.
• Employers in Sheldon, TX prefer these tests for their broader detection capabilities.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Sheldon, TX

• Hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days.
• This testing method provides employers a thorough view of substance history.
• Applicants and employees' drug use is assessed comprehensively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sheldon, TX

• Hair follicle tests drastically reduce risks of sample adulteration.
• These tests provide reliable, unquestionable results every time.
• Accuracy in hair follicle testing gives confidence in the outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sheldon, TX

• Our nationwide centers make testing quick, effortless, and accessible.
• Local Sheldon, TX locations offer ease and speed in obtaining test results.
• A hassle-free experience is ensured with our widespread network of centers.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Sheldon, TX

• The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and confidential.
• Concerns of privacy are addressed effectively, ensuring ease of use.
• Clients appreciate the seamless and secure method in Sheldon, TX.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sheldon, TX

• Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times provide excellent value.
• Businesses of any size can afford our efficient testing solutions.
• Peace of mind is offered through our budget-friendly options in Sheldon, TX.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sheldon, TX

• The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched in Sheldon, TX.
• They boast high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring dependable results.
• Such tests provide trustworthy data quickly, aiding in timely decision-making for substance abuse detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sheldon, TX

• Using hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free policies in workplaces.
• Employers face reduced legal risks, enhancing safety in the workplace.
• Peace of mind comes from complying with safety standards efficiently.

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