Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair provides an extended record of substance intake by incorporating biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. Hair samples taken near the scalp can offer a detection timeline of roughly up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. This method of collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil), taken nearest the scalp, amounts to 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG and others extending beyond 10-panel screenings, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not present, an equivalent sample of body hair might be used. 'Head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary intake of a specimen into the lab's infrastructure. This step verifies correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing information not covered by an e-chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial cursory examination for substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient, this step identifies drug presence in many samples. However, all positive screens must undergo confirmation prior to legal use. Samples with presumptive Screening positives necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
When Screening indicates presumptive positivity, further hair is extracted from the original batch and prepared for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair testing a complex analytical procedure.
Confirming any Screening positivity is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples requiring confirmation are cleansed as necessary before analysis. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire testing process adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these screenings analyze the strand itself, excluding the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Central, TN
In Central, TN, hair testing offers a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. The key advantage is its higher accuracy and the extended period of substance detection that it provides. Unlike the short detection window of urine tests, hair tests are capable of revealing drug use patterns for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of a person’s substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Central, TN
Hair follicle testing in Central, TN, provides an extended detection window, capturing drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This benefit gives employers a broadened perspective on an individual's substance history, ensuring a more thorough assessment of potential employees and maintaining workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Central, TN
Compared to other testing methods, hair follicle testing in Central, TN, significantly reduces the possibility of sample tampering. The process is observed and nearly impossible to manipulate, ensuring that results are reliable and beyond question, thus instilling greater trust in the testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Central, TN
The availability of Accredited Drug Testing centers nationwide ensures easy access to testing services. In Central, TN, this convenience translates to fast, efficient, and stress-free testing experiences, aiding individuals and businesses in meeting their testing needs with minimal hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Central, TN
The hair follicle testing procedure in Central, TN, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to ensure privacy and ease, alleviating concerns about the process and safeguarding personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Central, TN
Licensed centers in Central, TN, offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with quick result turnaround times. This combination not only ensures value for money but also provides peace of mind for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Central, TN
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed in identifying substance use. In Central, TN, hair tests offer a far higher accuracy rate compared to other methods, making them the gold standard for reliable diagnostics. The swiftness in obtaining results does not compromise the accuracy, ensuring that substance use is identified properly and promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Central, TN
Employers in Central, TN, can benefit from using hair follicle tests to maintain compliance with drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer workplace environment. It assures employers of a thorough evaluation process that aligns with compliance standards.
