Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective method, hair testing serves in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures and retains biomarkers in its growing strands, providing an extensive archival of alcohol and drug usage. When sourced near the scalp, the hair offers a detection window that can extend to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and readily mailable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, encompassing roughly 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons, or tests covering over 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically refers to hair from the scalp. Body hair comprises all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in processing a drug test result through the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary examination to identify drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug presence in most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. All samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations inferior compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening results is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo cleaning as necessary. The laboratory process, encompassing from Accessioning to Confirmation, is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directives and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Copperhill, TN? Hair testing offers unparalleled benefits, specifically in accuracy and reliability. Superior detection periods mean substances can be identified long after intake—up to 90 days—compared to short-window urine tests. This reliability provides a more comprehensive understanding, highlighting hair testing as the preferred choice for detecting drug use over traditional methods.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Copperhill, TN, is its extended detection window. Employers benefit from insights over a long period, typically up to 90 days. This extended window gives a broader narrative of an individual’s substance usage, offering a more detailed history compared to alternative methods. Hair testing ensures employers receive a fuller picture of substance habits, beneficial for informed decision-making.
In Copperhill, TN, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. Unlike other methods where samples may be compromised, hair tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration. The method provides irrefutable results, ensuring that the integrity of the sample remains intact. This provides peace of mind that the outcomes are as reliable as they are authentic, appealing to both employers and individuals undergoing testing.
With convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Copperhill, TN, Accredited Drug Testing ensures hassle-free test access. Clients benefit from the broad reach of our centers, guaranteeing quick and easy testing experiences whenever required. This widespread availability makes hair testing accessible and efficient, reflecting our commitment to serving the needs of all clients seamlessly.
Ordering and completing a hair follicle test in Copperhill, TN, is a straightforward and discreet process. Clients can expect a simple procedure from start to finish, accommodating privacy while ensuring ease of use. The confidentiality of the process meets the needs of those concerned about privacy, making the entire testing experience efficient and reassuring, from appointment booking to receiving the results.
In Copperhill, TN, our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing deliver exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures paired with swift results allow companies to confidently make decisions without breaking the bank. This advantageous combination ensures both efficiency and cost-effectiveness, vital for maintaining the smooth operation of any business.
In Copperhill, TN, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in capturing substance use, offering results that employers can trust. The efficient methodology ensures that substance detection is both quick and dependable, reinforcing the advantages of utilizing hair testing as a standard procedure for monitoring drug use.
For employers in Copperhill, TN, hair follicle testing enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing this method not only mitigates legal risks but also boosts workplace safety by detecting drug use effectively. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are fostering a secure work environment, protected by a testing method renowned for its precision and reliability in upholding policy standards.
