Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Impact, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for determining drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture biomarkers within its fibers as it grows, thus offering a timeline of alcohol and drug use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can provide an estimated 3-month detection period for substances. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10 tests, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary).

Process Overview

There are four primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the sample's initial processing into a laboratory’s system. This includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an immediate check for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples testing positive in Screening must undergo further verification.

If a sample tests positive in Screening, extra hair is obtained from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening a complex method to perform.

Confirmation of positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the scrutiny of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a narrower timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are difficult to manipulate, offering more reliable results.
• Offers usage history: It provides a timeline of drug consumption over time, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting immediate usage: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the concentration of drug residues in hair.

Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Impact, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests reveal a more comprehensive picture over a prolonged period. This makes hair analyses highly reliable for identifying habitual drug use, ensuring a robust assessment of an individual's history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Impact, TX, boasts an extensive detection window, uncovering drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers a thorough evaluation of a candidate’s or employee’s substance consumption history, providing essential insights into their long-term habits and ensuring a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Impact, TX, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method for drug analysis. This approach minimizes the threat of sample adulteration, delivering reliable, assured results. By reducing the risk of interference, these tests stand as fail-proof evidence in maintaining substance abuse policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our widespread network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Impact, TX, ensures straightforward access to hair follicle testing services. This nationwide presence guarantees a hassle-free experience, offering convenience and ease to both individuals and organizations in need of drug screening.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Impact, TX, our hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy and simplicity, effectively addressing concerns and ensuring a stress-free experience for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle drug testing in Impact, TX brings outstanding value. Catering to companies of all sizes, our services guarantee cost-effectiveness, providing prompt, reliable results while maintaining financial efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The reliability and quickness of hair follicle testing set it apart in Impact, TX. It offers unparalleled accuracy in pinpointing substance abuse, providing trustworthy outcomes promptly. This method revolutionizes the conventional notion of drug testing by ensuring swift processing and precise results that individuals and employers can depend on.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For Impact, TX businesses, hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to workplace drug policies, supporting legal compliance. This method reduces potential legal complications, enhances workplace safety, and ultimately brings peace of mind to employers by securing a zero-tolerance work environment.

Drug Testing Near Impact, TX

Anson, TX

Blair, TX

Funston, TX

Buffalo Gap, TX

Clyde, TX

Merkel, TX

View, TX

Potosi, TX

Caps, TX

Hawley, TX

Hawley-Noodle, TX

Elmdale, TX

Tye, TX

Taylor, TX

Abilene, TX