Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is acknowledged as a robust means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can indicate alcohol and drug use for up to roughly a three-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing about 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmatory purposes. For tests including EtG, add-ons, and those beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, the same quantity of body hair can be used. When head hair is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first integrated into a laboratory’s system. This step involves checking the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid evaluation for drug abuse signs. While a cost-effective option for excluding drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be accepted in judicial proceedings. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted and prepared for further analysis. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is superior in Lynchburg, TN, especially when compared to conventional urine tests. Hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, making them the preferred choice. Besides providing a broader detection window, they furnish conclusive evidence of substance use, preventing manipulation often encountered in urine tests.
The extensive detection window of hair follicle tests in Lynchburg, TN, provides employers with an advantageous oversight of an individual's substance use history. With their ability to trace usage up to 90 days in the past, these tests give a comprehensive view, aiding in making informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
In Lynchburg, TN, hair follicle testing minimizes tampering risks, delivering reliable outcomes. Unlike other methods, these tests are robust against sample adulteration attempts, ensuring data integrity and making them indispensable for validating true substance use accurately.
Our nationwide and local presence in Lynchburg, TN, offers unparalleled convenience. With numerous testing centers available, scheduling a test is hassle-free, ensuring quick and easy access whenever required. This accessibility is ideal for individuals and employers alike.
In Lynchburg, TN, the hair follicle drug testing process is both simple and confidential. Our straightforward procedure for scheduling, sample collection, and results ensures privacy and ease, addressing users' concerns about discretion and convenience effectively.
Affordable pricing and swift turnaround are standout features of our services in Lynchburg, TN. With competitive rates and rapid response times, we ensure businesses get the best value, providing peace of mind for companies of all scales.
In Lynchburg, TN, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their rapid precision and reliability. Unlike other methods, these tests promptly offer highly accurate assessments of substance use, ensuring timely and dependable results. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making is crucial.
Key Benefits:
Employers in Lynchburg, TN, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it upholds compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This practice diminishes legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, fostering a secure and responsible working environment.
