Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a historical record for drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's proteins as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for both drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
An optimal test sample is a 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, which yields 100mg of hair. For EtG extensions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If head hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically means scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (including facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The four chief steps in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial input stage of a sample into the lab’s system, verifying the sample was properly sealed and transported, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing additional data inputs that the electronic chain of custody doesn't cover.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for signs of drug presence. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, any positive findings necessitate confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with positive indications during Screening require additional verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex procedure.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive from the Screening phase is conducted using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of any presumptive positive samples occurs before Confirmation. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair distinction and follows ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair shaft, not the follicle itself located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Tests Beat Urine Tests: In Watauga, TX, opting for hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests offers numerous advantages. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy and are unmatched in reliability, providing a comprehensive overview of substance use history. Employers now have a more effective tool for maintaining drug-free workplaces.
Hair tests outperform urine tests by offering broader windows for detection. Their accuracy extends well beyond short-term windows, making them ideal for employers who prioritize long-term vigilance in drug use monitoring.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Watauga, TX, is a significant advantage. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope, hair tests can trace drug use over a lengthy 90-day period. This comprehensive view of an individual’s history allows employers to make more informed decisions.
With a 90-day window, hair follicle testing provides a detailed analysis of an applicant or employee's substance patterns, enabling businesses to ensure compliance with their health and safety standards effectively.
In Watauga, TX, hair follicle testing significantly reduces tampering risks. Unlike urine samples which are more susceptible to adulteration, hair tests give irrefutable results. This robust testing method ensures sample integrity, providing organizations with consistent and reliable drug use data.
Employers can rely on hair follicle tests to deliver authentic results. Minimizing the chances for interference, these tests strengthen the credibility and trustworthiness of the testing process.
With convenient testing locations in Watauga, TX, nationwide accessibility is guaranteed. Whether local or across states, our testing services are quick, simple, and stress-free. This widespread presence ensures that both individuals and employers have easy access to reliable drug testing options.
Our local centers in Watauga offer the same level of service excellence found across the nation. Make drug testing a hassle-free experience with Accredited Drug Testing’s readily available facilities.
Our simple, confidential process in Watauga, TX, for hair follicle drug testing prioritizes ease of use and privacy. From ordering tests to collecting samples and receiving results, every step is designed with client confidentiality at its core, assuring users of their data's safety.
Ease and privacy are crucial in our testing process. Residents in Watauga can expect a seamless experience from start to finish, emphasizing both the security and simplicity of handling their drug testing requirements.
In Watauga, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times for hair testing. Our competitive pricing models ensure that businesses, irrespective of their size, receive excellent service without the excessive costs typically associated with efficient drug testing.
Receiving results quickly while maintaining budget-friendly rates highlights our dedication to customer satisfaction. We strive to deliver unmatched value, improving service efficiency without compromising on quality.
The effectiveness and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Watauga, TX, are unparalleled. High precision in detecting substances ensures that results are not only fast but also incredibly reliable. These tests excel in providing accurate assessments of an individual's drug use, offering peace of mind for both employers and clients.
By choosing hair follicle tests, residents of Watauga receive the benefit of timely results. Accuracy at the forefront means identifying substance use is easier than ever, further establishing trust in this advanced testing method.
Employers in Watauga, TX, enjoy compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies becomes straightforward, lowering legal risks and promoting a safer working atmosphere. This not only shields businesses from potential liabilities but also enhances productivity.
By using hair tests, organizations reinforce their commitment to workplace safety. The elimination of drug use contributes to a more peaceful and efficient work setting, supporting overall organizational goals.
