Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follice drug assessments in Chattanooga, TN. If you require a hair drug or alcohol screening, we are experts in the field and have facilities nationwide ready to assist. A minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is typically required for testing. Our tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for specific needs.
Hair follicle testing has gained popularity for drug screenings. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse experts are increasingly opting for hair tests over traditional urine tests. These tests are employed by entities enforcing zero-tolerance on drugs, such as workplaces and probation officers. Their benefit is a longer detection window, up to 90 days, and their integrity during collection makes them hard to manipulate. However, for detecting recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain the preferred choice.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The structure of hair captures markers of substances within its fibers, offering a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use. By acquiring hair close to the scalp, one can achieve a detection period that spans up to around three months for substances including alcohol. The process of obtaining a sample is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a number 2 pencil) near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. Tests for EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels suggest using 150mg of the sample. Ensuring accurate weight measurement of the specimen using a jeweler's scale is advised. In cases where scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable volume of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial steps to integrate a sample into the lab's system take place. This stage includes confirmatory actions to ensure proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of extra data input beyond what an electronic chain of custody system offers.
Screening involves a primary fast analysis for detecting drug abuse. Although it serves as an economical approach to dismiss drug use in many samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In instances where Screening indicates possible positive results, additional hair from the specimen is extracted and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves isolating substances at significantly lower concentrations from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), reflecting why hair drug screening is notably challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any screening result that indicates positivity is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Necessary washings are performed on all presumptive positive samples before confirmation. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Chattanooga, TN, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine testing. The primary benefit is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are not only capable of identifying a broader range of substances but also maintain consistency in results, giving them an edge over traditional urine tests.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Chattanooga, TN is its extended detection period. Capable of identifying drug usage up to 90 days prior, it provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, ensuring informed decisions are made.
In Chattanooga, TN, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Its robust methodology ensures that results are both reliable and beyond reproach, providing peace of mind that the findings reflect true substance use without being adulterated.
Convenience is at the forefront with our nationwide and local testing centers in Chattanooga, TN. This widespread network ensures that accessing reliable drug testing services is quick, straightforward, and stress-free for all clients regardless of location.
Hair follicle testing in Chattanooga, TN is crafted to be a straightforward and private process. From ordering to sample collection and receiving the results, each step is designed with user confidentiality in mind, ensuring that clients have a seamless and respectful experience.
In Chattanooga, TN, our hair follicle testing services are known for affordability and swift turnaround times. By offering competitive pricing structures, we provide great value, making us an ideal choice for companies of all sizes seeking both cost-effectiveness and peace of mind.
Hair follicle testing in Chattanooga, TN excels in both speed and accuracy, providing results that are both quick and highly reliable. With advanced detection capabilities, these tests offer precise insights into an individual's substance history, making them ideal for a wide range of testing scenarios.
Ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies is critical in Chattanooga, TN. Hair follicle testing supports these objectives by ensuring drug-free workplaces, mitigating legal liabilities, and fostering a safe working environment while adhering to company guidelines.
