Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely acknowledged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the hair's growing strand fibers, hair offers a comprehensive account over an extended period. When procured near the scalp, it provides up to an approximately 3-month detection range for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial examination of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Though a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug usage in most cases, positive screens require confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any specimens with presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations relative to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to perform.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive screening results. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed 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 labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superior Detection in Green Brier, TN Hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests by offering a deeper and broader detection threshold. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a robust detection rate, ensuring fewer false negatives and elevating reliability. Green Brier employers gain a trustworthy ally in observing potential substance use histories.
Long-Term Substance History in Green Brier, TN The value of hair follicle testing lies in its prolonged detection window, extending up to 90 days. This extended frame grants employers a comprehensive perspective on an individual's drug use history. For those in Green Brier, this wider window assists in making more informed employment assessments.
Robust Against Adulteration in Green Brier, TN Hair follicle testing provides an almost impenetrable defense against sample tampering. This method ensures results cannot be easily manipulated, offering Green Brier businesses a secure and reliable testing option. Rest assured, the integrity of your results is preserved diligently.
Nationwide and Local Convenience in Green Brier, TN Our testing services promise efficiency and accessibility through our wide network of nationwide centers. Green Brier residents find ease in the availability of local centers, ensuring a hassle-free testing experience.
Hassle-Free and Confidential in Green Brier, TN The hair follicle testing process is both simple and private. In Green Brier, individuals can quickly arrange, complete the test, and receive confidential results, ensuring that privacy remains paramount throughout.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Results in Green Brier, TN With our enticing price offerings and fast result delivery, businesses in Green Brier find great value in our hair follicle testing services. Regardless of company size, we offer cost-effective solutions with impressive turnaround times.
Swift and Precise in Green Brier, TN Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and reliable results. These tests are engineered to precisely pinpoint drug use, making them a preferred choice for accurate and timely evaluations. In Green Brier, tenants and employers alike appreciate the confidence in test accuracy and prompt delivery of results.
Employer Assurance in Green Brier, TN Adopting hair follicle testing provides Green Brier employers peace of mind through compliance with their drug-free workplace policies. This process protects them from potential legal issues while promoting a safe work environment.
