Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shenandoah, TX

What it is, How it works

Recently, hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended record by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can capture up to approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

For screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for testing. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair available, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result processing in a lab comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial sample processing into a lab’s system. It involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any other data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial swift evaluation for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in court. Any samples that are provisionally positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample is provisionally positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is collected from the initial sample for the Extraction process. At this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.

Verification of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All conditional positive samples are cleansed as needed before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Difficult to deceive: It’s quite tricky to manipulate a hair drug test, increasing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It can exhibit a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot identify recent use: It requires roughly 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing options.
• Result disparities: Elements like hair color and individual growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to drug testing in Shenandoah, TX, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests in many aspects. Detection accuracy is a critical factor, and hair tests provide a more reliable assessment of substance use over time.

Unlike urine tests, which can miss recent usage, hair tests offer comprehensive insight. Their extended detection period allows for a complete understanding of an individual's drug use history, crucial for any organization's screening process.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Shenandoah, TX favor hair follicle testing for its extended detection window. Capturing drug use over a potential 90-day span, this method offers a broader perspective of an individual's substance history.

This extended detection period is a vital tool for employers. It aids in understanding the broader context of an employee's behavior, ensuring a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Shenandoah, TX provides a tamper-resistant solution. It significantly reduces the risk of test manipulation, thereby ensuring the credibility of the results obtained.

The secure collection process leaves little room for deception. When accuracy and trust are paramount, hair testing is the preferred choice for unassailable outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient locations in Shenandoah, TX and across the country, our testing centers provide nationwide access. Quick and easy service ensures testing is never a hassle.

The strategic placement of our centers means you receive top-notch service wherever you are, facilitating seamless drug testing experiences without the inconvenience of travel delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Shenandoah, TX, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From order to result receipt, it is designed to protect privacy while being user-friendly.

Simplicity and confidentiality are at the core of our practice, ensuring those tested are comfortable and secure throughout the procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our pricing strategy in Shenandoah, TX is highly affordable, paired with rapid turnaround times. We offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes.

Cost-effective and quick, our services ensure companies receive timely results without breaking the bank, enhancing their decision-making process efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Shenandoah, TX, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering precise and swift outcomes in substance detection. Accuracy is paramount, and these tests excel in recognizing drug use patterns, offering reliable insights for employers.

Beyond mere speed, hair testing guarantees high reliability in its results. This method identifies substance use effectively and ensures that every test conducted reflects the true scenario, leaving no room for doubt.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For Shenandoah, TX employers, hair follicle tests offer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests alleviate legal risks and bolster workplace safety.

By integrating such comprehensive testing methods, organizations ensure they adhere to regulations, fostering a serene and secure work environment, where compliance and peace of mind go hand in hand.

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