What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can present approximately a 90-day detection period for alcohol and substances. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to gauge the sample weight with a jewelerâ€™s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar volume of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair implies scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other hair (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The principal stages within a laboratory drug test processing comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening offers an expedient preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical method to negate drug consumption in most cases, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal admissibility. Samples that are indicated as positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.

If a sample shows a positive indication in the Screening phase, extra hair from the primary sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at much more diluted concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or saliva), presenting hair drug screening as the most intricate methodology to execute.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies are employed for verifying any positive screening outcomes. All samples that show presumptive positivity are cleansed prior to confirmation if required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Long detection window: Hair drug testing has the capability to identify drug use extending up to 90 days, contrary to urine tests with a shorter detection span.
Difficulty to cheat: Manipulating a hair drug test is notably challenging, hence the results bear more accuracy.
Provides historical data: It offers a representation of drug consumption over time rather than highlighting recent use alone.

Limitations:

Cannot detect recent use: A duration of roughly 5-7 days is needed for drugs to manifest in hair.
Cost: Hair drug tests are generally costlier compared to alternate drug testing methods.
Variations in results: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth may impact the concentration of drug metabolites present in the hair.

Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Wins Over Urine Analysis in Wellington, TX
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing presents several advantages. In Wellington, Texas, these tests are preferred for their superior detection accuracy. Identifying drug use over a longer period, they provide a reliable and comprehensive assessment, making them a trusted method amongst employers and judicial bodies.

While urine tests are commonly used, the accuracy and extended detection window of hair tests make them more suitable for zero-tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Substance Detection in Wellington, TX
Hair follicle testing offers an unrivaled detection period, tracing drug use up to 90 days. In Wellington, Texas, this affords employers a broader view of an individual's substance history, helping to make informed hiring or employment continuation decisions based on comprehensive data.

Compared to shorter-detection alternatives, this method ensures greater reliability in long-term substance monitoring.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Resistance to Tampering in Hair Testing in Wellington, TX
One major benefit of hair follicle tests is their ability to minimize tampering risks. In Wellington, Texas, this provides assurance of authentic, unquestionable results, which are essential for maintaining trust in the testing process.

Using advanced testing techniques, hair analysis stands out as an untamperable method, securing the integrity of collected samples.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Centers in Wellington, TX
Enjoy the convenience of our nationwide network of testing centers, serving Wellington, Texas. This expansive reach guarantees prompt, straightforward access to testing services wherever needed.

With local presence and support, we make drug testing hassle-free, ensuring compliance and ease for our clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Private Testing Protocols in Wellington, TX
Our hair follicle testing process in Wellington, Texas, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From test ordering to receiving results, we prioritize privacy, ensuring a seamless user experience.

We address privacy concerns head-on, providing an easy, reliable process that respects and protects individual confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective and Quick Outcomes in Wellington, TX
Our pricing structure is competitively tailored, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Offering rapid turnaround times in Wellington, Texas, we provide excellent value, catering to the needs of businesses, large and small.

With fast processing and competitive rates, we deliver peace of mind and excellent service, supporting effective drug testing initiatives.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Swift and Dependable Hair Testing in Wellington, TX
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy, detecting substance use with great precision. In Wellington, Texas, we offer fast results without compromising on reliability, making hair analysis a preferred choice for those seeking certainty in drug testing.

The accuracy of hair tests is unmatched, providing a detailed profile of substance intake over time. This testing method ensures that you receive precise results, swiftly, to make informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Certainty for Employers in Wellington, TX
In Wellington, Texas, using hair follicle testing for workplace assessments ensures adherence to drug-free policies. Employers benefit from reduced legal and safety risks, fostering a compliant, secure environment.

This testing method underpins a business’s commitment to upholding a clean, safe, and productive workplace.