Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage up to around a 3-month period. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will supply 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When the term head hair is used, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other type of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of the sample within the lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry that isn't captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial cursory check for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires validation to be court-admissible. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening mandate a further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine analysis in Blountville, TN, the advantages are clear. Hair testing boasts a longer detection period, offering better accuracy and reliability. Its ability to detect substance use up to 90 days provides a comprehensive insight, unlike urine tests which are limited to detecting only recent use.
Employers favor hair follicle tests for their dependability. While urine tests are still used, the chance for error is greater, making hair testing a superior choice for thorough substance screening.
Hair follicle testing in Blountville, TN, stands out for its extended detection window. Unlike traditional tests, it effectively detects past substance use up to 90 days. This long history review helps employers gain a full understanding of an individual's substance use behavior.
With a longer detection period, hair tests allow for a more complete picture of drug use. This is ideal for employers who require thorough background checks, ensuring a more dependable hiring process.
In Blountville, TN, hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of tampering. Their design makes sample adulteration nearly impossible, guaranteeing authentic results. This reliability is crucial for businesses requiring full confidence in their test outcomes.
Unlike traditional tests, hair follicle analysis is collected under strict supervision, further reducing tampering opportunities and ensuring the integrity of the sample every time.
Access to testing services in Blountville, TN, is convenient due to Accredited Drug Testing's widespread network of centers. These nationwide and local facilities ensure that testing is quick and smooth, preventing any hassle for individuals seeking drug testing.
Convenience is paramount, and our centers are strategically located to provide easy access. This extensive network allows for efficient scheduling and testing, accommodating various client needs effortlessly.
In Blountville, TN, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking tests, and receiving results are handled with care to maintain privacy. This straightforward approach ensures that individuals feel comfortable and secure throughout the process.
Confidentiality is key, and our seamless testing procedures emphasize ease of use while respecting privacy, making it accessible for all parties involved.
For businesses in Blountville, TN, we offer affordable pricing for hair follicle testing without compromising on speed. Our competitive rates and quick turnaround times provide value, ensuring companies of all sizes can access reliable testing economically.
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are our priorities, allowing firms to benefit from prompt and precise testing results without overspending. This strikes a balance between quality service and budget constraints.
In Blountville, TN, hair follicle testing offers fast, accurate results that exceed traditional methods. With superior detection capabilities, these tests can track substance use reliably. The precision of hair follicle tests provides an accurate analysis, ensuring that employers receive comprehensive results promptly.
Processing times for hair follicle tests are swift, aiding in quick decision-making for businesses. This high accuracy ensures that substances are detected efficiently, eliminating the guesswork involved with older testing methods.
Employers in Blountville, TN, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle drug testing. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, companies reduce legal risks and enhance safety. Hair testing consistently supports these goals through reliable and extensive substance detection.
Using hair tests not only demonstrates a company’s commitment to a safe environment but also reassures stakeholders of strict adherence to compliance, thereby fostering trust and security.
