Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become a recognized method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drug presence. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When speaking of head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is an economic way to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample preliminarily tests positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the toughest method to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lobelville, TN, hair follicle drug tests hold a distinct advantage over conventional urine tests. Offering superior accuracy, hair tests detect substances long after use, proving invaluable for employers and professionals. The extended detection window ensures comprehensive substance usage analysis, ensuring a reliable safeguard against drug use in sensitive environments.
The efficacy of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection period, covering up to 90 days. In Lobelville, TN, this makes it a compelling tool for employers wishing for an in-depth review of substance use history. Unlike traditional methods, it captures a full spectrum of past drug use, aiding in better decision-making for hiring and employment retention.
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant solution in Lobelville, TN, significantly curtailing the risk of sample adulteration. The method yields results that remain incontestable and reliable. This deterrent against manipulation assures stakeholders of test integrity, bolstering trust in the process and outcomes.
Accessing testing services in Lobelville, TN and beyond is a seamless experience thanks to the convenience of nationwide testing centers. These facilities offer quick, straightforward, and stress-free access to required tests, ensuring that undergoing a hair follicle test is simple and efficient for all stakeholders involved.
The process of hair follicle testing in Lobelville, TN is designed to be straightforward and private. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results is conducted with utmost confidentiality. This streamlined protocol addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of testing. Reliable communication from start to finish enhances user confidence in the entire service.
Affordable pricing combined with quick turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Lobelville, TN particularly appealing. Companies of varying sizes find immense value, benefiting from competitive rates and fast results. This blend of cost-effectiveness and efficiency offers organizations peace of mind, reinforcing the choice of hair testing over other methods.
Hair follicle testing in Lobelville, TN provides fast, reliable, and precise outcomes. This testing boasts remarkable accuracy in detecting even trace amounts of substances, making it a preferred choice for various stakeholders. Its efficiency ensures that employers and authorities receive dependable results promptly, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
Employers in Lobelville, TN find peace of mind using hair follicle testing to meet drug-free workplace compliance. This testing method not only fortifies adherence to legal guidelines but also strengthens workplace safety. By minimizing risks, it enhances overall workplace security and diminishes potential legal liabilities.
