Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stamford, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage through capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hairs are cut close to the scalp, they offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a collection of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four major phases in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the first step of processing a sample into the lab's system. This process involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening refers to an initial swift examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive findings must be verified for court acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need to have a follow-up confirmation.

If the sample is tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from the hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is what makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive Screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug panels can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, compared to urine analyses which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: It's quite difficult to circumvent a hair drug assessment, ensuring more accurate results.
• Yields historical information: It can illustrate a timeline of drug usage over an extended duration, not just immediate consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs typically require 5-7 days to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations generally cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stamford, TX
Hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage in terms of detection accuracy and reliability when compared to traditional urine tests. By analyzing hair samples, detection extends up to 90 days, providing unmatched insights into drug use patterns, ensuring employers and organizations can make informed decisions.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Stamford, TX
One of the standout features of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days. This timeline grants employers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s drug history, facilitating a more informed and thorough evaluation of substance use behavior over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stamford, TX
Hair follicle tests are intrinsically resistant to tampering, providing reliable and indisputable results. Unlike other testing methods, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring integrity and accuracy in every test conducted.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stamford, TX
Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Stamford, TX, provides unrivaled convenience. Accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free, ensuring minimal disruption to daily routines.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Stamford, TX
Ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results in Stamford, TX is both simple and confidential. This process addresses privacy concerns and ensures users receive their results efficiently and discreetly, enhancing ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stamford, TX
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times set us apart, offering great value to businesses of all sizes. This efficiency, combined with affordability, ensures peace of mind for companies seeking quality drug testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Stamford, TX offers superior precision and speed. The high accuracy level ensures reliable detection of substance use, providing fast and dependable results. These attributes highlight its effectiveness in various applications, ensuring stakeholders receive prompt, insightful data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stamford, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, offering compliance assurance and reducing legal risks. This approach not only satisfies regulatory standards but also promotes a safer, more productive work environment.

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