Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely regarded as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can showcase a prolonged history of substance intake by preserving biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced from the scalp proximity, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a period of roughly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and uncomplicated to send.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) harvested closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is considered the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may suffice. Scalp hair refers specifically to hair on the head, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary sample processing within a lab's protocol, which involves checking the sample for proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is about conducting an initial, efficient evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective method to negate drug use in the majority of samples, a confirmed result is essential for court-based proceedings. Samples that return a presumptive positive within Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a concentration notably lower than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
To confirm any positive Screening result, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Every presumptive positive sample is cleaned before undergoing confirmation, if required. The entire process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests offers clear advantages in Shepherd, TX. Hair testing boasts superior detection over a more extended period, unlike the limited scope of urine tests. This method effectively identifies drug use over the past 90 days, providing essential insights into a person’s history.
While urine tests detect recent use, they are less reliable for long-term analysis. Hair testing's extended detection window makes it invaluable for comprehensive substance abuse evaluations, ensuring a higher level of safety and compliance for employers and organizations.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage in Shepherd, TX. Unlike other methods that capture only recent drug use, hair follicle testing can identify substance use patterns extending up to 90 days. This long-lasting insight aids in painting a complete profile of an individual’s substance habits.
For employers, this means having a broader understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance history. By covering multiple months, organizations can make better-informed decisions, promoting a safer and more informed workplace.
In Shepherd, TX, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests presents a major benefit. This testing method significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, offering reliable and indisputable results. Compared to other testing forms where cheating is prevalent, hair testing provides assurance through its stringent collection process.
The structure of the test itself limits tampering, making it a preferred option for organizations keen on maintaining uncompromised testing integrity and ensuring trustworthy results that withstand scrutiny.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access with multiple locations, including Shepherd, TX. Our easily accessible nationwide network simplifies the process for businesses and individuals seeking testing services, offering a quick and hassle-free experience.
The availability of numerous centers streamlines the testing process, allowing efficient scheduling and swift access to services. This convenience removes barriers, promoting regular testing and thorough compliance.
Our hair follicle testing process in Shepherd, TX is simple and confidential, focusing on privacy and ease. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed for simplicity. The streamlined procedure ensures seamless operations for all participants, minimizing complexity.
We prioritize confidentiality, safeguarding personal information from start to finish. The ease of operation coupled with security reassures clients, enhancing their experience and trust.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests in Shepherd, TX. Our competitive pricing means businesses of all sizes benefit from exceptional value along with the assurance of reliable results. Additionally, our speedy processing times ensure prompt delivery of results.
This approach allows companies to maintain safety standards without breaking the budget, enjoying efficient and effective testing solutions that meet financial and operational needs.
In Shepherd, TX, hair follicle drug testing is noted for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. Many consider it a superior choice for detecting substance use due to its precision. This testing method accurately identifies drugs ingested weeks to months prior, allowing for quick and precise decisions.
The hair follicle test's accuracy lies in its ability to consistently detect substances regardless of user's recent attempts to conceal usage. It provides a complete overview of a person’s substance use history, differentiating it as a reliable choice for organizations prioritizing integrity and accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Shepherd, TX offers compliance and peace of mind to employers. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, companies reduce legal risks and reinforce safety. This method supports comprehensive testing, ensuring adherence to internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Employers benefit from a robust testing procedure that highlights potential substance use issues, creating an environment where safety and compliance lead to enhanced workplace confidence and reduced liabilities.
