Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying both drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a retrospective record of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When hair is harvested close to the scalp, it can indicate substance use for up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
An ideal specimen consists of a 1.5-inch segment, equivalent to approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) situated nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding ten panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to determine the specimen’s weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample first undergoes processing in the lab’s system. This involves ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents the initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal considerations. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive while in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents as the most challenging methodology.
To verify positive Screening outcomes, Confirmation is executed employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing when necessary. The entire laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and meets the ISO / IEC 17025 licensing standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing
In Cottontown, TN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, offering improved detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may identify recent drug use, hair testing provides an extended detection window, showcasing usage history over months. This method ensures high levels of accuracy, making it ideal for stringent regulatory needs.
Extended Detection Window
The unique capability of hair follicle testing to identify drug use over a 90-day window provides a comprehensive overview of a person's substance history in Cottontown, TN. Unlike urine tests, which focus on recent use, hair tests reveal patterns over a longer period, offering a thorough assessment for employers and legal systems.
Secure Against Tampering
Hair follicle testing in Cottontown, TN, offers a profound advantage due to its resistance to tampering. The collection process ensures the integrity of the sample, diminishing the risk of adulteration and providing results that are dependable and unquestionable, safeguarding the accuracy and fairness of the evaluation process.
Widespread and Local Access
With numerous testing centers nationwide and local facilities in Cottontown, TN, access to hair follicle testing is both convenient and accommodating. Our network ensures quick and hassle-free services, allowing individuals and companies to conduct necessary tests without logistical challenges, enhancing accessibility for all users.
Confidential and User-Friendly Process
The procedure for ordering, administering, and receiving hair follicle test results in Cottontown, TN, is designed to be straightforward and private. This process addresses potential privacy concerns, ensuring that individuals can undertake testing with ease and confidence, maintaining discretion throughout.
Competitive Pricing and Turnaround
In Cottontown, TN, our hair follicle testing services are offered with affordable pricing options and fast turnaround times. By prioritizing cost-effectiveness and efficiency, we deliver excellent value, ensuring that companies of various sizes can benefit from our reliable and timely service, fostering peace of mind and financial comfort.
Fast and Accurate Results in Cottontown
Hair follicle drug testing offers swift and precise detection of substance use, making it a favored choice in Cottontown, TN. With its cutting-edge methodology, this testing significantly reduces wait times while ensuring high accuracy, providing reliable results that aid in informed decision-making for employers and legal authorities.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
Utilizing hair follicle testing in the workplace in Cottontown, TN, guarantees adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering safety. Employers find peace of mind knowing their protocols meet regulatory standards, thus enhancing the overall security and integrity of their operations.
