Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. It provides an extended record of substance abuse by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair. When hair is sampled close to the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch strand from about 200 hairs (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both initial screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional components, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair may be used. Head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, while body hair indicates all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test samples involves four central stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This step involves checking the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs. While it's an economical way to exclude drug presence in most cases, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed for legal credibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Samples appearing positive in Screening undergo additional material extraction from the original sample in the Extraction step. Here, drugs are extracted at a lower concentration compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to conduct.
For any positive results in screening, Confirmation is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples presumed positive undergo required washing prior to confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tennyson, TX
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior accuracy in identifying drug use. This method provides a reliable detection framework, especially valuable for employers in Tennyson, TX, who aim for stringent enforcement of their drug policies. The extended detection span further solidifies its accuracy over conventional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Tennyson, TX
The extended detection capabilities of hair follicle tests make them indispensable in Tennyson, TX. They offer up to a 90-day overview of an individual’s drug history, granting employers deeper insights into the substance habits of applicants or employees. This comprehensive detection range is a key reason for its adoption.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tennyson, TX
Hair follicle tests significantly cut down the potential for tampering. In Tennyson, TX, this testing method ensures that the chances of adulterating samples are minimized, providing results that are trustworthy and beyond dispute.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tennyson, TX
Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessibility with a network of testing centers nationwide, including in Tennyson, TX. This convenience facilitates quick and easy drug testing services, removing the hassle from the process for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tennyson, TX
Ordering, taking, and receiving results through our hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. In Tennyson, TX, this process addresses privacy concerns, ensuring that users experience ease of use and maintain the security of their personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tennyson, TX
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times highlight our commitment to value. In Tennyson, TX, companies can benefit from affordable drug testing solutions, enhancing decision-making while maintaining budget constraints and ensuring peace of mind in operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tennyson, TX
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and efficiency. Unlike traditional methods, it offers a highly accurate assessment of substance use, ensuring that results are both swift and dependable. In Tennyson, TX, individuals can rely on this testing method for speedy and precise results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tennyson, TX
For employers in Tennyson, TX, hair follicle testing is a vital tool for compliance with drug-free policies. It mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety by offering reliable screening, thus securing peace of mind for company leadership concerned about substance misuse in the workforce.