Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month detection window for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be authenticated to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, further hair is drawn from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In South Padre Island, TX, hair follicle testing is paramount due to its superior detection capabilities over urine tests. It provides a broader detection window, significantly increasing its reliability. Unlike the shorter-span urine tests, hair tests identify long-term drug use, enhancing accuracy and trustworthiness.
With increased ability to identify historical drug use, employers and institutions can make better-informed decisions. Hair tests bypass some limitations inherent in urine tests, making them the preferred choice for comprehensive assessments in screenings.
Extended Detection Window
In South Padre Island, TX, the prolonged detection period of hair follicle testing policy makes it a standout choice. Capable of tracing substance consumption back up to 90 days, hair tests deliver deeper insights into an individual’s drug use history, surpassing the short detection window of traditional tests.
This extensive window is pivotal for employers seeking a clear understanding of patterns, ensuring that decisions are based on a robust overview of an applicant’s or employee’s substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Utilizing hair follicle tests in South Padre Island, TX offers a potent defense against adulteration. Their resilience against tampering makes them a preferred method. Unlike urine tests, which are prone to tampering, hair tests deliver trustworthy results.
The secure nature of hair testing ensures extreme reliability. This tamper-proof characteristic ensures that results obtained stand to scrutiny, offering peace of mind to those relying on their findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access in South Padre Island, TX, through its nationwide and local centers. Whether you’re an individual or a business, quick access to testing is facilitated, enhancing convenience.
The expansive reach ensures no regions go underserved, demonstrating commitment to hassle-free drug testing services. With readily available locations, you can easily undergo testing without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process
In South Padre Island, TX, our streamlined process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, handling privacy with the utmost dedication is assured.
The seamless approach accommodates individuals' needs confidently, addressing concerns around privacy. This process ensures that clients feel secure and informed throughout, emphasizing discreet and efficient testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Companies in South Padre Island, TX, benefit from competitive pricing and expeditious turnaround times for hair follicle testing. These high-quality services provide substantial value regardless of company size or budget.
Our affordable solutions ensure that effective drug testing is attainable without financial strain. Fast processing times uphold efficiency, ensuring swift operational flow from test to result while maintaining budget-friendliness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In South Padre Island, TX, hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision, swiftly delivering reliable results. These tests excel in accuracy, ensuring substances are detected effectively. The rapid processing ensures quick results, catering to urgent needs while maintaining high standards of detection accuracy.
Employers and individuals in South Padre Island benefit from the confidence that hair follicle tests offer. Their ability to detect various substances with precision ensures informed decision-making. The combination of speed and accuracy makes hair follicle drug testing an optimal choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In South Padre Island, TX, companies employing hair follicle tests assure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposures. This testing method bolsters workplace safety by providing thorough and secure testing procedures.
By embracing hair follicle testing, employers not only safeguard against legal risks but also foster a productive work environment. Ensuring compliance further minimizes violations, aligning with safety regulations.
