Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations play a significant role in identifying substance use for both drugs and alcohol. The structure of hair holds biomarkers, preserving a detailed history of intake. Close-to-scalp hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol usage for nearly three months. The procedure of collecting hair is straightforward, presents challenges for tampering, and facilitates easy transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp represents 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. If testing involves EtG, additional panels, or exceeds 10 panels, 150mg of hair is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale is advisable for weighing the sample. When scalp hair isn't present, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four core phases in laboratory drug test processing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning integrates a sample into the lab’s workflow. This phase includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and delivery, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional details not captured by automated systems.
Screening presents a preliminary assessment to detect drug use. Although Screening economically eliminates negatives in most samples, verified confirmation is essential for legal validity. A second confirmation is necessary for any sample perceived positive during Screening.
Presumptive positives from Screening undergo further hair extraction from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drug collection from hair occurs at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
To verify positive Screening outcomes, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Pre-confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as needed. Every phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized based on both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests" being commonly used, the process examines the hair strand, rather than the follicle situated under the skin.
When it comes to detecting substance use, hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests in Carter, TN. Their superior detection accuracy and reliability make them an ideal choice for those needing long-term substance use data, far surpassing the limitations of standard urine testing techniques.
Hair follicle testing in Carter, TN allows for a longer detection period, often providing a 90-day window into an individual's drug use history. This extended timeframe gives employers a more thorough view of a potential employee's or current worker's substance habits, contributing to more informed decision-making.
The hair follicle test method in Carter, TN significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring the highest level of reliability and trustworthiness in the results obtained. This tamper-resistant approach stands as a cornerstone for those requiring unquestionable drug screening outcomes.
With convenient testing centers across the nation, including in Carter, TN, access to hair follicle testing services is hassle-free and easy. Our widespread locations ensure that individuals and employers can quickly and effortlessly utilize our testing solutions whenever needed.
In Carter, TN, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results. Privacy and ease of use are prioritized, ensuring a smooth and discreet experience for all involved parties.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Carter, TN, our hair follicle testing solutions deliver great value for organizations of all sizes. Our affordable options ensure that accurate results are accessible to everyone, providing reassurance and timely outcomes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Carter, TN are renowned for their precision, delivering fast and reliable results. Known for their ability to detect a range of substances with high accuracy, these tests are invaluable for obtaining clear and truthful data about a person's substance use.
For businesses aiming to maintain drug-free environments, hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind in Carter, TN. This method supports adherence to workplace policies, mitigates legal risks, and boosts overall safety within the workplace, making it a preferred choice for conscientious employers.
