Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use involving drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a lasting record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. Samples taken near the scalp can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal amount for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advocated. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair covers all other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in lab processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of processing a sample within the lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any required data entry outside of the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. Although Screening is an economical strategy to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive results need confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples indicated as positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and set for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair in much lesser concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Positive results from the Screening phase are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is cleansed ahead of confirmation when required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although typically called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug screening in Baileyton, TN, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. The significant advantage of hair testing lies in its extended detection window, enabling a longer timeframe to capture drug traces. Unlike urine tests that may fail to provide comprehensive insights, hair testing offers a robust method to assess prolonged drug use, thereby enhancing trustworthiness.
Hair follicle testing in Baileyton, TN delivers an extended detection window up to 90 days. This advantage provides employers with an extensive view of an individual's drug history, surpassing the limitations of shorter windows offered by other methods. By capturing a broader timeline, employers can make more informed decisions based on accurate substance use profiles, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of potential or current employees.
In Baileyton, TN, hair follicle tests are celebrated for being tamper-resistant, thus significantly reducing the chances of sample manipulation. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis minimizes adulteration risks, providing credibility and certainty in results. This robust testing procedure reinforces trust and reliance on drug test results, benefiting employers and authorities seeking dependable assessments.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient nationwide testing across many centers, including in Baileyton, TN. This widespread network provides easy and hassle-free access to drug testing services, allowing individuals and businesses alike to take advantage of our wide reach. Our nearby locations guarantee prompt assistance, making the testing process smooth and efficient for all involved.
In Baileyton, TN, Accredited Drug Testing offers a process that is simple and confidential. Ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results is straightforward, aligning with privacy concerns and ease of use. Our process ensures that individuals and businesses receive the necessary information securely and efficiently, enhancing the overall experience with discreet and straightforward service throughout.
Accredited Drug Testing in Baileyton, TN presents affordable pricing alongside rapid result turnaround times. This combination offers excellent value, meeting the budgetary needs of businesses of varying sizes efficiently. By providing competitive rates without compromising on speed or accuracy, we ensure our services remain accessible and beneficial for all clients requiring prompt drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug testing in Baileyton, TN is synonymous with fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of hair testing lies in its unparalleled ability to identify substance use efficiently. Unlike traditional means, hair tests provide a thorough analysis ensuring confidence in the results delivered. The streamlined process ensures rapid feedback, facilitating quicker decision-making for employers and agencies.
Employers in Baileyton, TN, can achieve compliance and peace of mind by integrating hair follicle drug testing into their policies. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, helping businesses avoid legal complications and promoting a safer environment. By relying on this credible testing approach, organizations enhance their reputation while safeguarding their employees' well-being.