Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a valuable resource for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil), near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes integrating a sample into a laboratory system initially. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary check for illicit drugs. Though Screening provides a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
If a sample is identified as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of all positive screening outcomes is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples receive a wash before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides superior benefits over traditional urine tests in Gibson, TN. While urine tests can detect recent drug use, hair tests offer extensive detection capabilities, identifying substance use over a 90-day period. This longer window gives employers a better understanding of an individual's drug history, thus enhancing the effectiveness of employment screenings.
The reliability of hair testing is further emphasized by its resistance to manipulation. Unlike urine tests, which are more susceptible to tampering, hair tests provide accurate and secure testing options, making them the preferred choice for organizations enforcing strict drug policies.
For employers in Gibson, TN, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, making it an invaluable tool in screening employees or applicants. This method allows for the identification of drug use over the past 90 days, providing a more comprehensive account of an individual's substance history compared to other methods with shorter detection spans.
This notable feature of hair testing enables employers to evaluate an employee's substance use accurately, ensuring that they maintain a drug-free workplace. The extended detection period surpasses traditional testing methods, contributing to more informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Gibson, TN, significantly minimize the potential for sample manipulation, offering robust and consistent results. This method is less vulnerable to tampering compared to other testing options, ensuring the integrity of the sample and the reliability of the test outcome.
This resistance to adulteration makes hair testing an excellent option for organizations seeking effective, trustworthy drug testing. Employers can rely on the untampered results, enhancing the overall credibility and efficiency of their substance-related policies.
With testing facilities available nationwide, including local services in Gibson, TN, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessible and hassle-free testing processes. Our extensive network of testing centers provides clients with convenient options to conduct tests quickly and efficiently, addressing the needs of various organizations.
This broad geographic presence ensures that testing services are available whenever and wherever required, ensuring that clients in Gibson, TN, have straightforward access to reliable testing services without unnecessary complications.
At our Gibson, TN, location, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, emphasizing both privacy and user comfort. Ordering a test is easy, and sampling is conducted with care, ensuring the privacy of personal information throughout the procedure.
The confidentiality inherent in this process alleviates any privacy concerns individuals may have. From testing to receiving results, every step is designed to be discreet, ensuring ease of use and confidence in service.
We offer competitive pricing structures for our hair follicle testing services in Gibson, TN, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. Quick turnaround times and cost-effective solutions provide organizations of all sizes with an excellent value proposition, strengthening their investment in workplace safety.
The combination of cost-effectiveness and prompt service offers companies peace of mind, knowing that they can rely on timely and economical testing options that meet their needs while supporting their financial considerations.
In Gibson, TN, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast and precise results. The method allows for accurate detection of various substances over a considerable duration, enhancing the reliability of the outcomes. The efficiency of this procedure ensures that results are delivered swiftly, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable testing services.
The overall accuracy of hair follicle testing is unmatched, offering dependable results that eliminate any doubts regarding substance use. This confidence in accuracy significantly assists employers in making informed decisions, thereby maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Gibson, TN, supports employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in reducing associated legal risks and fosters a safer, more productive working environment. Its reliability ensures that employers can confidently uphold zero-tolerance drug policies, promoting organizational peace of mind.
Employers benefit from the assurance that hair tests provide, ensuring robust compliance with necessary regulations while mitigating any legal issues related to substance use, thereby enhancing workplace safety and security.