Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When acquired near the scalp, this method allows for a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches involving approximately 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, around 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to determine the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
In the laboratory handling of a drug test result, four primary steps are involved: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial cursory examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use among many samples, a positive outcome must be validated for legal acceptability. Samples that are initially positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show positive indications during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this stage, drug components are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug examination the most complex to carry out.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods conduct Confirmation for any positive screening result. All initially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under the review and standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chattanooga, OK
Hair follicle testing in Chattanooga offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The detection window in hair testing spans up to 90 days, providing superior insights into an individual's substance use history. More importantly, hair tests are nearly impossible to tamper with, thereby ensuring higher accuracy and reliability compared to the shorter detection window and susceptibility to cheating found in urine tests.
This method allows employers to maintain stringent compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It offers a more comprehensive view of a potential or current employee's habits, contributing to a safer organizational environment.
Extended Detection Window in Chattanooga, OK
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Chattanooga is its extended detection window. This method provides insight into substance use for up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed view of an individual’s drug history. Such a broad timeline is invaluable for making informed decisions regarding workplace safety and policy adherence.
For businesses, this extended period is crucial for identifying patterns of substance use and ensuring compliance with long-term sobriety standards, thereby promoting a healthier work culture and reducing risks associated with drug abuse.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chattanooga, OK
Chattanooga's hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of sample tampering, a common issue with other drug testing methods. This makes it a preferred choice among employers seeking reliable and unquestionable results. Unlike other methods, hair tests prevent adulteration due to their robust sample collection and processing system.
By choosing hair follicle testing, entities can be assured of the sample's integrity, thereby enhancing trust and accuracy in drug testing programs, ensuring that the results reflect true substance use rather than manipulated outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chattanooga, OK
The availability of numerous testing centers across the nation, including Chattanooga, ensures easy access to drug testing services. The nationwide network guarantees that testing is not only quick and hassle-free but also convenient, maintaining consistency in service quality irrespective of location.
This widespread presence supports businesses and individuals alike in meeting drug testing requirements swiftly, reducing logistical burdens and ensuring timely compliance with necessary regulations and standards.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chattanooga, OK
Our hair follicle testing process in Chattanooga is both simple and confidential, respecting the privacy concerns of individuals while maintaining ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, all steps are straightforward and designed to protect clients' confidentiality.
With no barriers in accessibility, the process encourages individuals and businesses alike to uphold drug-free policies with confidence, knowing that privacy and efficiency are at the forefront of service delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chattanooga, OK
The combination of competitive pricing structures and quick result turnaround in Chattanooga makes hair follicle testing an excellent choice for companies of varying sizes. The cost-effectiveness of this method does not compromise accuracy, ensuring value and peace of mind with every test.
Our pricing strategy caters to budget-conscious clients without sacrificing quality, thereby enabling businesses to integrate robust drug testing programs affordably, sustaining drug-free workplace commitments effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chattanooga, OK
When it comes to precision, hair follicle drug tests stand out as a superior method. In Chattanooga, the accuracy of detecting substance use is unparalleled with hair testing, ensuring rapid and trustworthy results. The process, renowned for its meticulousness, guarantees a high level of certainty, providing peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
Chattanooga residents benefit from hair testing's swift procedures, minimizing wait times without compromising on accuracy. This method brings about a blend of speed and reliability that's essential for maintaining effective drug-free environments, safeguarding public health, and workplace integrity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chattanooga, OK
Hair follicle drug testing offers Chattanooga businesses a pathway to compliance with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting workplace safety. By adopting this method, employers can seamlessly enforce zero-tolerance policies with the peace of mind that comes with reliable and extensive detection capabilities.
For employers, hair tests eliminate doubts about potential drug use, shaping safer workspaces and enhancing overall organizational efficiency. Such proactive measures bolster company reputation and employee welfare alike.
