Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now recognized as an effective method for unveiling the history of substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures lengthy records of alcohol and drug markers by embedding them within the tresses of the hair as it grows. When taken directly from the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol intake for a period extending nearly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5-inch consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or evaluations surpassing 10 panels, a suggested 150mg of the hair specimen is required. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results includes four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails preliminary processes to integrate a sample into the laboratory system. This process comprises verifying that the sample is securely sealed and dispatched properly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any missing data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for abusive substances. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use suspicions for most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Upon a tentative positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair toxicology is complex to undertake.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification, alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the procedure analyzes the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests in Stoneham, TX. Its extended detection window ensures a more comprehensive analysis of an individual’s substance history. While urine tests have a shorter detection span, hair tests can reveal patterns of use over a longer time, providing more reliable results.
Employers benefit from the superior accuracy of hair testing. The method is less prone to tampering and provides a clearer picture of past drug use, giving institutions confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment. In comparison, urine tests are more susceptible to falsification, reducing their reliability.
One of the key benefits to both employers and legal entities in Stoneham, TX, is the extended detection period of hair follicle drug tests, offering insight into up to 90 days of drug usage history. This facilitates a far-reaching view into an individual's substance use, supporting informed decision-making processes.
Hair testing reveals patterns of substance use thanks to its long detection window. It is particularly beneficial for employers wanting to evaluate long-term drug habits, providing them with greater peace of mind when assessing prospective employees or monitoring existing staff.
The unparalleled integrity of hair follicle testing in Stoneham, TX, lies in its resistance to tampering. The method is designed to eliminate adulteration risks, ensuring that results remain reliable and unquestionable, a stark contrast to more easily manipulated urine tests.
By collecting samples directly from the scalp, hair follicle tests drastically reduce the possibility of sample adulteration. This guarantees that employers receive accurate, deceit-proof results, crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring safety across the board.
With numerous testing locations nationwide, including Stoneham, TX, Accredited Drug Testing presents a convenient solution for all your testing needs. The strategic location of testing centers makes it simple and stress-free for individuals to access necessary services, ensuring timely and efficient results.
Stoneham residents enjoy the convenience of nearby testing centers offering hassle-free services. This accessibility means employers and individuals can ensure quick submission of samples, speeding up the processing and receiving of drug test results without unnecessary delays.
In Stoneham, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering and conducting a test is straightforward, ensuring a smooth user experience while keeping individual privacy and data security as a top priority.
The confidential nature of our testing services maintains trust and discretion. Customers can be assured of their privacy, receiving results safely and professionally, emphasizing our commitment to confidentiality and simplicity throughout the entire drug testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable solutions for hair follicle testing in Stoneham, TX. Our competitive pricing ensures businesses of all sizes can access reliable testing without breaking the budget, demonstrating that quality service need not come at an exorbitant cost.
Not only are our prices competitive, but our turnaround times are remarkably swift. By ensuring fast processing of samples, we provide excellent value for money, allowing companies and individuals to receive their results promptly, enhancing decision-making capabilities.
In Stoneham, TX, hair follicle drug testing promises swift and precise results, surpassing traditional methods. The precision offered by this method ensures reliable detection of substance use, aiding employers in making informed decisions about potential hires or current employees. Choosing hair testing means opting for confidence and accuracy in your drug testing process.
Employers in Stoneham trust the speed and accuracy of hair follicle tests. By capturing an expansive time frame of drug use, hair analysis discloses substance patterns that other methods might miss. This allows for a comprehensive view of an individual’s behavior, fostering a transparent and trustworthy workplace environment.
Compliance with workplace drug policies in Stoneham, TX is greatly enhanced through use of hair follicle testing. This method supports the enforcement of zero-tolerance stances while protecting legal integrity and workplace safety, reducing risks associated with improper testing methods.
The peace of mind resulting from hair follicle testing goes beyond compliance. Employers gain assurance knowing that they are upholding standards necessary for a productive and safe working environment, necessary for fostering employee trust and a strong organizational culture.
