Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can provide about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively immune to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, an equal volume of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test results includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This stage involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires verification to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Ashport, TN, provides unbeatable advantages when contrasted with urine testing. It boasts superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader spectrum of drug use history. Its reliability outshines that of conventional urine tests, making it the preferred choice for those seeking trustworthy and comprehensive drug screening results.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Ashport, TN, is its extended detection window. Capable of uncovering drug use from up to 90 days prior, it provides significant insights into an individual’s substance use patterns. Employers gain a more complete understanding of an applicant or employee’s drug history, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution in Ashport, TN, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The nature of hair testing makes it exceptionally difficult to manipulate results, providing reliable data. This mitigates concerns around dishonesty, ensuring trust in the authenticity of outcomes.
In Ashport, TN, and beyond, our nationwide network of testing sites guarantees convenience for all clients. Easily accessible centers make the testing process seamless, allowing individuals to proceed with confidence. Local facilities provide fast and hassle-free test administration, bolstering access and efficiency.
The simplicity and confidentiality of the hair follicle testing process in Ashport, TN, address both privacy and ease of access. From ordering to results reception, each stage is designed to be straightforward, ensuring participants feel secure and informed throughout. This transparency enhances user confidence in the testing system.
Ashport, TN, enjoys competitive pricing and swift turnaround with our hair follicle tests. Businesses find excellent value, assured of costs that fit their budgets without sacrificing quality. Quick result times further contribute to this value, supporting timely decision-making for enterprises of any scale.
In Ashport, TN, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its swift and precise results. The method ensures highly reliable detection of substance usage, offering employers and individuals confidence in the outcomes. Quick processing times mean results are returned without delay, combining speed with accuracy to meet various testing demands.
Employers in Ashport, TN, looking to uphold drug-free workplace policies find peace of mind in hair follicle testing. It not only ensures compliance but also mitigates legal risks and enhances safety. Adopting such comprehensive testing methods reflects a commitment to maintaining a productive, secure work environment.
