Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Milan, TN

What it is, How it works

Advancements in hair testing have made it an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-standing record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for substances such as alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of scalp hair, which is comparable to the size of a #2 pencil, yields approximately 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both initial screening and further testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used instead. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample gets entered into a laboratory's system. This phase includes checking that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't already provided.

Screening is the next stage, which involves a preliminary examination for the presence of drugs. While this method is cost-effective for eliminating most drug usage cases, a positive screen needs corroboration for legal admissibility. Samples that indicate potential positivity during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows potential positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this point, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening findings is conducted using technologies like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show potential positivity are thoroughly cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Attempts to alter the results of a hair drug test are highly challenging, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Historical insight: The test can reveal a timeline of drug usage patterns over a prolonged duration, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incipient use detection: It requires approximately 5-7 days before drugs become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug testing is more costly compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual growth rates can impact the concentration of drug markers in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Milan, TN, hair follicle testing proves to be more advantageous than urine testing in several ways. Not only does it offer a longer detection period, but it also provides superior accuracy. This testing method eliminates uncertainties, establishing a clearer and more reliable assessment of drug use compared to traditional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Milan, TN, gives employers a detailed look at an individual's substance history. With the ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior, hair testing provides a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring that historical substance use does not go unnoticed during evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Milan, TN, hair follicle tests stand out because of their tamper-resistant nature. This testing method greatly reduces the risk of adulteration, offering trustworthy and indisputable results. It provides employers and other organizations with peace of mind, knowing the sample integrity remains intact throughout the process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and in Milan, TN, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures quick and easy access to testing services, eliminating the inconvenience of travel and making it simple for individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle testing in Milan, TN, is designed to be simple and confidential. Privacy concerns are addressed with care, ensuring that individuals can trust the process and feel at ease, knowing their information is handled with discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Milan, TN, an excellent value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from the affordability and quick processing, providing reassurance and peace of mind that drug testing needs are met efficiently and cost-effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Milan, TN are unmatched. These tests deliver fast and accurate results, making them incredibly reliable for detecting substance use. The sensitivity of hair testing ensures that even minuscule amounts of drugs can be identified, offering a level of accuracy that surpasses many other testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Milan, TN, aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this testing method, companies can significantly reduce legal liabilities and enhance workplace safety, offering peace of mind that the workforce remains drug-free and compliant with established guidelines.

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