Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an influential method for monitoring drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lasting record of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. Obtaining hair specimens near the scalp allows for identifying alcohol and drug use within a roughly 3-month period. Hair collection is uncomplicated, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (about the dimension of a standard #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing. For EtG additions or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, it references only scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab handling of drug test outcomes involves four crucial phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is entered into the laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for signs of drug use. Although screening is an economical approach for ruling out drug usage in most cases, any positive results must be verified to be legally acceptable. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in screening demand further validation.
Should a sample indicate positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is utilized from the initial batch for Extraction. In this process, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations than in other practices (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug testing's complexity.
Any positive screening outcomes are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: These are not "hair follicle tests", as they examine the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine analysis, hair follicle testing in Clarksville, TN offers compelling advantages. Its superior accuracy and reliability surpass urine testing capabilities, providing a more dependable detection timeline for substance use. Hair analysis covers a broader spectrum of drugs and is less prone to interference.
In Clarksville, TN, hair follicle testing provides an extended window for drug detection, revealing substance use history up to 90 days prior. Employers find this beneficial for evaluating long-term patterns rather than short-term fluctuations, giving a more comprehensive view of a candidate or employee's substance use behavior.
Hair follicle testing in Clarksville, TN is known for reducing tampering risks. The method's integrity comes from its resistance to sample adulteration, delivering outputs that are both reliable and difficult to contest. Consequently, it ensures a higher degree of confidence in test results.
Our expansive network of testing facilities includes multiple locations in Clarksville, TN, making drug testing exceedingly convenient. Nationwide centers ensure that testing is always within reach, adding a layer of efficiency and ease for all participants.
In Clarksville, TN, the hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the steps are designed to protect privacy and enhance user experience, addressing all privacy-related concerns.
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Clarksville, TN make hair follicle testing accessible to companies of any size. The affordable rates, coupled with fast results, provide excellent value for businesses seeking to maintain a clean and compliant workplace.
In Clarksville, TN, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its swift and precise results. This method offers unsurpassed accuracy in identifying substance use, reassuring those who need reliable test outcomes. The testing process is streamlined, ensuring quick data processing, which is critical for timely decision making.
Employers in Clarksville, TN favor hair follicle tests for workplace policy compliance. The tests support a drug-free work environment, minimizing legal risks and enhancing the safety of workers. This compliance cultivates trust and reassurance among employees and stakeholders alike.
