Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair may present up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands of hair (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparative quantity of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that appear positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening represents the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle located beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Andersonville, TN: Hair tests are superior due to their unmatched accuracy and reliability in drug detection.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a broader detection window, increasing confidence in results. Employers benefit from this precision when implementing drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Andersonville, TN is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior.
This extended window delivers a complete history, aiding employers in making informed decisions regarding potential hires or monitoring current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Andersonville, TN greatly reduces adulteration risks. Hair follicle tests offer reliable, unquestionable results, minimizing the chance of tampering.
For employers, this ensures credibility in the testing process, establishing the integrity of the workplace substance policy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Andersonville, TN make drug testing accessible and hassle-free. Our expansive network ensures easy access for all clients, whether at a national or local level.
This convenience streamlines the testing process, ensuring swift and efficient service delivery to meet various needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Andersonville, TN offers ease and privacy for those undergoing testing. Ordering, participating in the test, and receiving results is a straightforward process.
Concerns about privacy are addressed, ensuring confidentiality and simplicity at every stage of the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Andersonville, TN cater to businesses of all sizes, providing excellent value. Our competitive pricing structures ensure wide accessibility while maintaining quality.
Quick turnaround times further enhance value, delivering reliable results swiftly to facilitate prompt decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Andersonville, TN offer several advantages for detecting substance use. The precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures high accuracy, making them a preferred method.
In Andersonville, TN, the speed at which these tests provide reliable outcomes enhances their appeal. Unlike traditional methods, the hair follicle test delivers swift, dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Andersonville, TN is assured with hair follicle testing. This method helps maintain drug-free workspaces, ensuring adherence to corporate policies.
Employing hair testing can mitigate legal challenges, bolster workplace safety, and solidify company reputation.
