Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent mechanism for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures the long-term presence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, not easily altered, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken from the nearest part of the scalp will amount to 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For advanced testing such as EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent portion of body hair might be collected. When we discuss head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug test result processing encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of processing a sample within a laboratory's system. This phase includes confirming the sample's seal and shipment were done correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates verification to be countable in court. Any samples initially appearing positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is initially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which underlines why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminarily positive samples undergo cleansing prior to confirmation based on necessity. The complete laboratory flow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the examination actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Biltmore, TN outshines traditional urine analyses due to its impressive accuracy and reliability. With a notable advantage in detection timelines, hair testing offers superior scrutiny against substance use. Employers seeking meticulous compliance prefer this method for a robust drug-free work environment and consider it a more thorough approach for screening programs.
The exceptional detection capability of hair follicle testing in Biltmore, TN provides a comprehensive view of substance use up to 90 days past. This extensive window is unmatched by other testing methods, offering organizations an expansive evaluation of an individual's drug history. Employers benefit from such in-depth insights when considering an applicant or assessing an employee, enhancing decision-making.
Biltmore, TN's hair follicle tests exemplify a tamper-resistant testing approach. Minimizing risk of sample manipulation, these tests ensure credible and consistent results. With secure collection processes, the likelihood of adulteration lessens significantly, providing organizational peace of mind with an incontrovertible assessment of substance use.
With testing centers widespread, convenience reigns supreme for Biltmore, TN's nationwide hair follicle testing. This accessibility guarantees swift and uncomplicated service enlistment. Convenient local options secure seamless integration into organizational or personal schedules, enabling efficient health management in a myriad of settings.
The hair follicle testing process in Biltmore, TN is both simple and secure. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results ensure privacy for all involved, alleviating confidentiality concerns. This streamlined process cooperatively supports individuals and employers in executing timely and discreet drug testing with confidence.
Not only is Biltmore, TN's hair follicle testing cost-effective and rapid, but it also promises an exceptional return on investment. By maintaining competitive pricing and delivering fast results, companies of varying sizes gain a fiscal advantage, secure in the knowledge that prompt and reliable drug screenings contribute valuably to their operations.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Biltmore, TN are unparalleled. Offering swift, accurate results, these assessments can identify substance use reliably, adding value to workplace drug procedures. The advanced testing technology accurately assesses drug presence in hair samples, assuring both rapid and dependable outcomes, enhancing employer confidence in screening practices.
Employers in Biltmore, TN achieve policy adherence and assurance through hair follicle testing. By upholding drug-free workplace standards, companies reduce legal exposure and enhance employee safety. This approach fortifies corporate integrity and creates a confident, compliant occupational environment, safeguarding institutional and individual well-being.
