Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the strand grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to collect hair samples, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test processing in a laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a laboratory's database. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in many samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be considered valid in a legal setting. Any samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the testing process examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Apison, TN, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are clear. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, capturing drug use up to 90 days. This extended window offers a comprehensive physiological history, unmatched by urine testing.
Whereas urine tests only detect recent use, hair tests are tamper-resistant and demonstrate reliability. Hair screening reflects long-term substance usage, giving employers key insights into an individual’s habits.
One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing in Apison, TN, is the extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This extensive period allows employers to gain deeper insights into an individual’s drug history.
With hair testing, employers can review an applicant’s or employee’s substance use over a longer timeline, ensuring informed decision-making regarding employment suitability and safety.
In Apison, TN, hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other testing methods, hair sampling significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration.
This robust testing method assures reliable and unquestionable results, making it invaluable for employers and institutions that prioritize integrity in drug testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of nationwide locations, including Apison, TN, ensuring easy access to services. Our expansive reach guarantees quick and hassle-free testing for individuals and employers alike.
Whether in Apison or elsewhere, our centers provide a convenient option for anyone needing reliable drug testing services across the country.
The process for hair follicle testing in Apison, TN, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving the results, every step protects privacy and ensures ease of use.
This approach reduces anxiety around testing procedures, ensuring individuals feel comfortable and confident in the handling of their personal information throughout the process.
Apison, TN, enjoys competitive pricing and fast turnaround times through hair follicle testing. Our affordable structures provide excellent value for businesses of varying sizes, complementing budgetary needs.
With swift delivery of results, our services enable companies to make prompt and informed decisions, prioritizing both efficiency and cost-effectiveness in drug testing.
In Apison, TN, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision and rapid results. Unlike other methods, hair tests consistently provide high accuracy in detecting past substance use, making them a reliable choice for assessments.
The speed at which results are processed is outstanding. Hair testing technology ensures fast turnaround times, meeting the needs of both employers and individuals seeking reliable screening outcomes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Apison, TN, employers can ensure compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach minimizes legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety.
Providing peace of mind, hair testing supports a zero-tolerance stance by reliably identifying substance abuse, thus fostering a safer work environment for all employees.
