Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential tool for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an enduring history of substances by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. Collected close to the scalp, hair provides an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and substances. It's easy to collect, a bit challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hairs (around the width of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additions, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advocate weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process in a laboratory drug test comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample in a lab's system. This includes confirming that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial brief evaluation for abused drugs. Although Screening economically eliminates drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for courtroom acceptability. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are obtained from hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used for confirming positive Screening results. Presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nashville, NC
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Employers in Nashville benefit from this method's ability to reveal substance use over extended periods, ensuring comprehensive evaluations that urine testing cannot match.
Extended Detection Window in Nashville, NC
Employers in Nashville gain a detailed perspective on substance use with hair follicle testing, detecting drug use for as long as 90 days. This extended detection window surpasses that of urine tests, presenting a full view of an individual’s drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nashville, NC
Hair follicle tests in Nashville provide a robust defense against sample tampering. The nature of these tests significantly reduces the likelihood of adulteration, ensuring that results are both trustworthy and indisputable, bolstering the integrity of testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Nashville, NC
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including Nashville, accessing our hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. We provide both local and national reach, ensuring that testing is quick, simple, and readily available for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Nashville, NC
Our straightforward and confidential approach to hair follicle testing alleviates privacy concerns for Nashville residents. From ordering to receiving results, the process is user-friendly and secure, ensuring the highest level of discretion at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nashville, NC
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, our hair follicle testing in Nashville delivers unparalleled value. Companies of all sizes benefit from efficient, cost-effective testing solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nashville, NC
The precision of hair follicle testing ensures accurate detection of substance use, providing quick, reliable results. This efficiency is particularly crucial for Nashville employers seeking to maintain safe and compliant workplaces, offering peace of mind through definitive testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nashville, NC
By integrating hair follicle testing, Nashville employers can uphold drug-free workplace policies with greater assurance, minimizing legal liabilities and fostering a safer work environment. This method reduces risks and enhances overall business operations’ peace of mind.
