Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling is recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair acquisition is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered the optimal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG enhancements or test panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's best to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a matching quantity of body hair can be used. When "head hair" is mentioned, it specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This step verifies the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening performs a preliminary evaluation for drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legally admissible evidence. Any samples that appear positive in Screening must undergo confirmatory testing.
For samples appearing positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing formats (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly complex to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples preliminarily positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is observed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Choosing hair follicle tests over traditional urine testing in Lakewood Village, TX, offers superior detection capabilities. Hair samples capture a longer history of drug use, providing a window of up to 90 days, whereas urine tests only cover recent substance intake. Thus, employers are benefited by more comprehensive data.
The reliable accuracy of hair testing reduces the opportunity for manipulation and falsifications common in urine tests. This enhanced detection assures safer workplaces and well-informed hiring decisions.
Lakewood Village, TX employers leverage hair follicle testing for its extended detection window, which offers insight into a person's substance use over a prolonged period of up to 90 days. This wider scope captures chronic patterns of use, rather than just recent intake, allowing for more informed evaluations.
This ability to view past behaviors over weeks or months gives employers a more comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's reliability and adherence to drug policies, thus enhancing decision-making processes.
In Lakewood Village, TX, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests ensures unquestionable reliability. Because hair samples are collected through standardized and observed methods, the results are protected from adulteration and fraud attempts that plague other testing methods.
The robustness of this testing methodology means results that can be confidently trusted, providing peace of mind to employers and legal authorities in their assessments. This lays a solid foundation for fair and safe policy enforcement.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network is evident in Lakewood Village, TX, providing swift and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Our strategically placed centers make drug testing accessible and efficient for clients in any locale.
Having local testing options ensures that individuals and companies can meet testing requirements quickly and with minimal disruption to their schedules, allowing for seamless integration into daily operations.
Experience a simple, confidential drug testing process in Lakewood Village, TX with Accredited Drug Testing. Our streamlined procedure respects privacy while ensuring ease of use, from ordering to receiving results.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance, and our process is designed to put users at ease while maintaining discretion and efficiency. This transparency empowers individuals and employers, promoting trust and satisfaction.
Accredited Drug Testing in Lakewood Village, TX stands out for its affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, offering exceptional value across company sizes. Our cost-effective solutions make comprehensive drug testing accessible without burdening budgets.
The fast turnaround ensures that companies can maintain momentum and address personnel needs promptly, while also benefiting from competitive pricing that supports regular compliance checks.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Lakewood Village, TX, for delivering fast and accurate results. High precision in detecting substances makes this a valuable tool for employers ensuring a drug-free workplace. The speed of analysis with hair samples ensures timely feedback, crucial for decision-making and maintaining safety.
The reliability of hair follicle tests is unparalleled. With advanced technology, these tests provide a clear picture of an individual's drug use history, helping employers to maintain compliant and safe environments through accurate assessments.
Using hair follicle testing in Lakewood Village, TX ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, relieving employers of potential legal issues. As this method is highly reliable and harder to manipulate, it enhances workplace safety by accurately reflecting employee substance use.
Hair tests afford employers peace of mind through compliance assurance, reducing the risk of breaches and promoting a secure and productive environment. This approach supports legal demands and health standards effectively.
