Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dawson, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within its growing fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage up to an approximate 3-month period. This method involves easy collection, is relatively resistant to tampering, and is straightforward to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides about 100mg of hair, an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. Body hair includes any other body locations (such as facial or axillary hair, etc.).

Process Overview

The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system, which encompasses checking the sample for proper sealing and shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening represents a preliminary swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is economical for preliminarily dismissing drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any sample found presumptively positive in Screening mandates a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, an additional quantity of hair is taken from the initial sample for preparation for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.

Confirmation of any positive result from screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, in addition to accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to manipulate: It is quite challenging to cheat on a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Historical usage insight: Capable of revealing drug use patterns over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: A window of 5-7 days is required for drugs to manifest in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the subscalp hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests in Dawson, TX, offer superior accuracy over urine tests, with a heightened detection rate that ensures reliable substance use identification.

Compared to urine testing, hair analyses in Dawson, TX, present clear advantages—unmatched precision and reliability, crucial for assuring correct results.

Extended Detection Window

By detecting drug use for up to 90 days, hair tests in Dawson, TX, provide a comprehensive history of an individual's substance activity.

Employers benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Dawson, TX, offering a broader perspective on an employee's past substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Dawson, TX, effectively diminishes risks of tampering, ensuring the integrity and reliability of test results.

Reducing the potential for tampering, hair tests in Dawson, TX, produce secure and defendable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Testing offers convenient testing locations in Dawson, TX, and nationwide, ensuring effortless access to essential services.

With extensive facilities across the nation, testing in Dawson, TX, is a seamless process, ensuring quick and easy service access.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing protocol in Dawson, TX, is straightforward and private, addressing any privacy and user-concerns while providing a smooth process.

In Dawson, TX, we guarantee a confidential and simple testing experience, prioritizing ease and privacy throughout the procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive rates and swift turnaround in Dawson, TX, we deliver exceptional value, fitting corporate budgets without compromising service.

In Dawson, TX, we pride ourselves on affordable pricing and quick result times, catering to companies of varied sizes with excellence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug testing ensure swift and highly accurate identification of substance use, vital for dependable results.

In Dawson, TX, the use of hair testing delivers quick and precise outcomes, distinguishing it from older testing techniques with its remarkable accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For Dawson, TX employers, hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal issues and enhancing workplace security.

In Dawson, TX, implementing hair drug tests promotes policy compliance and safer work environments, granting employer peace of mind.

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