Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The identification of alcohol and drug use via hair testing has gained reputation as an impactful method. Hair locks in biomarkers within its growing fibers, providing an extended historical record of substance use. With collection near the scalp, hair can evidence alcohol or drug intake for approximately a 3-month period. The procurement of hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. The term "head hair" exclusively denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other varieties including facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory sequence for processing drug test results includes four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This stage involves ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that isn't pre-recorded through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails conducting a preliminary scan for drug substances. Although a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use for most specimens, a positive screen result necessitates further confirmation for legal acceptance. Specimens showing presumptive positivity during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
Should a specimen be found presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of hair drug screenings.
Confirmation of any positive screen result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptively positive specimens is conducted before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review in accordance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation standards pursuant to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," these evaluations analyze solely the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Christiana, TN
When assessing the efficacy of drug tests, it's clear that hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests.
Switching from urine to hair testing aligns with modern requirements for accuracy and reliability. By switching, one maximizes substance use history assessment, especially valuable for legal and employment contexts with strict policies.
Extended Detection Window in Christiana, TN
Hair follicle testing excels with its prolonged detection capability.
Implementing hair follicle tests provides employers with substantial insight into past substance use, fostering informed decisions in recruitment and employment maintenance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Christiana, TN
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Christiana, TN
Our expansive network of testing centers, including local options in Christiana, TN, ensures accessible services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Christiana, TN
The simplicity and confidentiality of our hair follicle testing process address privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Christiana, TN
Our commitment to competitive pricing and quick result delivery supports businesses economically and operationally.
In Christiana, TN, our hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. The high precision of these tests ensures that detection of substance use is prompt and dependable, offering significant advantages over other testing methods. Clients benefit from a streamlined process that delivers swift outcomes with confidence.
Precision in hair testing translates to high accuracy in substance detection. This accuracy guarantees that even minimal drug consumption is identified during the testing window. Consequently, employers can rely on our services for dependable results that reflect actual substance use, supporting critical decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Christiana, TN
Engaging in hair follicle testing secures workplace drug policy enforcement.
