Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it provides a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption. When obtained near the roots, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, an ideal amount for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If hair from the scalp is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Conversely, body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four essential steps comprise the lab processing for drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage, where a sample is logged into the laboratory's system. It involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any added data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drugs in many samples, any positive findings need confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this stage, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is lower compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is a challenging method to execute.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed using technologies like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Iraan, TX
When comparing hair follicle testing against urine tests, the former stands out due to its superior detection period and reliability. While urine tests are more common, hair testing provides an extensive detection window, up to 90 days, allowing for a deep dive into a person's substance use. This makes it a choice tool for employers focused on maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Iraan, TX
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect substance use up to 90 days provides employers with valuable insights into an individual's history of drug consumption. This extended window offers a thorough snapshot of past behaviors, enabling better decision-making in recruiting and maintaining a safe, productive work environment, thus becoming a crucial aspect for businesses in Iraan, TX.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Iraan, TX
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring the reliability and integrity of the results. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are challenging to adulterate, offering unquestionable outcomes. This reliability becomes particularly critical for court cases, probation assessments, and workplaces with no-tolerance policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Iraan, TX
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of testing centers nationwide, including several conveniently located in Iraan, TX. This extensive network ensures fast and easy access to testing services, accommodating the needs of varied clientele and making hair follicle testing a streamlined, hassle-free process, no matter where they are based.
Simple, Confidential Process in Iraan, TX
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Iraan, TX is straightforward and discreet. Clients can easily place an order, undergo the test, and receive their results without hassle, ensuring privacy at every step. This simplicity addresses common concerns regarding confidentiality and ease of use, providing a reliable solution for those needing to conduct or undergo testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Iraan, TX
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests in Iraan, TX. Companies of all sizes benefit from excellent value for their investment, receiving accurate results promptly. This affordability, coupled with speed, ensures that businesses can confidently maintain their safety and compliance objectives.
In Iraan, TX, hair follicle drug testing ensures fast and precise outcomes, solidifying its position as a leader in substance use detection. Known for its high accuracy, this method captures an in-depth look at an individual’s drug history. The procedure not only promises quick results but maintains high standards of reliability and consistency, catering to the needs of those who require speedy and accurate substance identification.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Iraan, TX
Hair follicle drug tests help employers in Iraan, TX, maintain compliance with strict drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace security. By adopting this method, organizations can reduce their exposure to drug-related workplace incidents and foster a safer, more productive working environment, thereby safeguarding peace of mind for management and staff alike.
