Hair Drug Test
Workplace drug testing is something loathed by employees, yet seen as a great tool for employers. A reliable, convenient drug testing method can take quick samples from employees for fast, accurate results. The results will then inform companies of regular or reckless drug use that can have a negative impact on their business.
The popularity and need for these tests have led to the development of some different methods. There is some debate between hair drug tests or urine drug tests as the best options for the workplace. Urine tests are more common, but evidence now suggests that hair tests are more beneficial. Here are some of the key reasons why.
Detection Times
This is always the first advantage that people mention when talking about the benefits of hair tests over urine test. Detection windows are a crucial part of developing a strong test. It is all about the length of time that a substance with remains detectable using a particular method.
The difference here is significant. Urine tests are effective for looking for drug use within a few days. This means that it is easy for recreational users to abstain and avoid detection. It is much harder with hair testing because substances are still detectable within a month or more of use.
Problems With Cheating The System
There will always be those that think they can cheat the system with a workplace drug test. There are those that think that by flushing their system of toxins, they can ensure they rid themselves of signs of drugs. While it is reasonable to do so with a urine drug test, it is much harder to strip hair because of the location of the particles.
Also, the nature of hair testing means that it is tough to switch a sample. Some people will try and swap a sample of urine with someone else, or tamper with the liquid. That is easily achieved in the privacy of a bathroom stall. With hair test, testers take the sample directly from the head and subjects have no chance to handle it.
Accuracy And Reliability Of Samples
The other great thing about hair tests is that they are pretty accurate and far more likely to offer a result. The best hair tests will be able to detect a wide panel of drugs from this long period. This will create quite the picture of the subject’s habits. The method of hair testing and the time frame allows for a historical timeline of drug use.
Testers can follow the chemical through the sections of the hair. This means that not only are drugs identified, so is the frequency of their use. In addition to this, should subjects challenge a result, there is the chance to re-test. This means two sets of results to compare in the same time window for undeniable proof.
The Types Of Tests Available
Finally, employees have to consider the different types of workplace drug tests that they carry out. The style and purpose can have an effect on which option to choose from. Urine tests have their place in random drug testing, as the subject has no time to prepare.
They also work in the test just after an accident or incident, as long as the drug is still likely to be in the system. Hair testing also works here. However, this method is also reliable for random and pre-employment screening. The latter is due to the long detection window. The hair test can spot habitual use in potential employees, unlike urine tests.
In The End, The Pros Of Hair Testing Clearly Outweigh Any Cons
There are clear problems with urine drug tests. It is far too simple for users to tamper with a sample or avoid taking drugs in the three day time window. This means that typical workplace drug tests may offer a negative result in frequent users. Hair drug tests eliminate many of these issues and work in more circumstances.
Their accuracy, chronological timeline and cast panel mean they are much more useful for detecting drug use. Add in the ability to re-test subjects, the non-invasive method and quick results and the difference are clear. Urine testing may have been the norm, but hair testing is clearly the better choice.
Tags: Drug Tests, Hair Drug Test, Urine Drug Test
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