Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug history by encasing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection window for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 strands of hair (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, a corresponding amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it denotes scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with initially processing a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any added data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
Should a sample test preliminarily positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.
Validation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before validation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Validation is assessed against both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Beech Bluff, TN
The benefits of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear – greater detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can capture a broader history of drug use, providing a more complete picture and reducing the chances of false negatives.
In comparison to urine tests, which capture recent use, hair tests can reflect up to 90 days of history. This makes them a more robust option for understanding long-term substance issues, giving companies a clearer insight into employee habits.
Extended Detection Window in Beech Bluff, TN
Hair follicle testing's capability to track drug use over a three-month span offers employers an extensive overview of an individual's substance history. This method surpasses others with its extended detection timeframe.
By using hair samples, organizations gain a wider perspective on drug use habits, potentially revealing patterns that would remain hidden with shorter detection windows. This ensures that employers make informed decisions based on solid substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Beech Bluff, TN
Hair follicle tests are exceptionally resistant to tampering, providing results that stakeholders can trust. This ensures integrity and credibility in testing outcomes.
In Beech Bluff, TN, using hair to assess drug use minimizes risks associated with sample manipulation, offering peace of mind that the results are both accurate and genuinely reflective of the individual's substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Beech Bluff, TN
Our expansive network of testing centers guarantees quick and accessible services nationwide. Residents of Beech Bluff, TN benefit from these conveniently located centers, which make hair testing straightforward and stress-free.
With centers available across all cities in the nation, including local options in Beech Bluff, TN, we ensure that drug testing is an easy and efficient process for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Beech Bluff, TN
Our process for hair follicle drug testing is both simple and secure, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From order initiation to result reception, confidentiality is maintained throughout.
In Beech Bluff, TN, individuals can rely on our streamlined approach to drug testing, one that prioritizes user privacy and ease at every step, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Beech Bluff, TN
We offer competitive pricing models coupled with rapid result turnaround times, providing great value for enterprises of various sizes.
For businesses in Beech Bluff, TN, our cost-effective hair testing solutions and quick result delivery cater to both budget constraints and time-sensitive needs, ensuring you receive exceptional service without compromise.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Beech Bluff, TN
Our hair follicle drug tests are both precise and quick, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in revealing substance use. This testing method stands out for its swift results, assuring stakeholders of its reliability.
In Beech Bluff, TN, we guarantee that our hair drug testing method offers fast and clear results. The testing's precision is unmatched, offering reassurance to all involved, from employers to individuals seeking personal clarity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Beech Bluff, TN
Hair follicle testing helps businesses maintain drug-free environments, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and reducing legal exposure.
By leveraging this method, companies gain confidence in the workplace, knowing they're aligned with compliance standards. This commitment to safety enhances the overall work culture and minimizes risks associated with substance abuse.
