Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. By collecting hair near the scalp, it’s possible to obtain a detection timeline of up to roughly 3 months for various substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, notably challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a specimen into a lab's workflow. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial and rapid assessment for drug abuse. While it serves as an economical method to dismiss drug usage in the bulk of samples, a positive screening outcome must be ratified for legal acceptability. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening demand additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is collected for Extraction. This phase involves separating drugs from hair with reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (ex. urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing one of the most intricate methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing methods in Covington, TN, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it an invaluable tool for employers and authorities. Hair tests offer a longer detection window and are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring a trustworthy screening method that surpasses the capabilities of urine testing.
In Covington, TN, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a key advantage. Able to reveal drug use over a span of up to 90 days, it provides employers with a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history. This extended time frame allows for a more comprehensive analysis, proving invaluable for thorough background checks and evaluations.
The hair follicle testing conducted in Covington, TN is a highly tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing the possibility of sample adulteration. It guarantees reliable and definitive results, providing a trustworthy option for those seeking accurate drug testing that cannot be easily manipulated or falsified.
In Covington, TN, Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local centers ensure ready access to drug testing services. Offering easy and hassle-free processes, the widespread availability of our testing centers provides users with convenient and swift solutions to meet all testing needs efficiently.
The process for hair follicle testing in Covington, TN is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure is designed to prioritize user privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns about privacy while ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, drug testing in Covington, TN proves to be an affordable option for companies of any size. Providing excellent value, our services ensure that organizations can maintain peace of mind, knowing they are receiving quality testing without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests in Covington, TN offer unparalleled speed and precision in identifying substance use. Their high accuracy rate makes these tests a reliable choice for comprehensive drug screening. The efficiency of these tests ensures quick and dependable results, vital for both individuals and organizations seeking assured accuracy in drug detection.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Covington, TN offers employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety within the workplace, fostering a secure and healthy environment for all employees. It stands as a testament to an organization's commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
