Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal a long-term history by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. The specimen should ideally be weighed on a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a corresponding amount of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential steps in laboratories processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry tasks absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for courtroom validity. Samples with presumptive positives during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluids), explaining why hair drug testing is the most complex to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
In Deerfield, TN, hair follicle testing stands out against urine tests due to its advanced detection capabilities. Hair tests offer an extended detection period, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, whereas urine tests are limited to shorter windows. This extended timeframe grants employers a broader insight into potential substance use, enhancing workplace safety.
The superior accuracy of hair follicle testing over urine is largely due to its robust and tamper-resistant nature. Multiple substances can be reliably detected in a single sample, providing a clear and comprehensive assessment, making it the superior choice for maintaining a drug-free environment.
One of the most notable benefits of hair follicle testing in Deerfield, TN is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair testing can trace drug use back as far as 90 days, offering a far-reaching view of an individual's substance use history. This allows employers to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive timeline.
The ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period provides valuable insights into an applicant or employee's history. By capturing a wider snapshot of substance habits, hair follicle tests empower employers to implement more effective and informed substance use policies.
Hair follicle testing is inherently tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This method ensures that results are reliable and honest, offering a trustworthy alternative to urine testing. The collection process is observed, leaving little room for manipulation or deceit.
Given the robustness of hair samples, this method inherently prevents tampering that can occur with urine tests, offering undeniable reliability. Employers in Deerfield, TN can depend on these tamper-evident tests to comply with workplace substance policies with confidence.
Accredited Drug Testing in Deerfield, TN offers an extensive network of testing centers nationwide, making it convenient for individuals to access services. This widespread availability ensures a hassle-free experience for clients seeking hair follicle tests, reducing wait times and expediting result delivery.
Residents and businesses in Deerfield benefit from the proximate locations of our testing centers. The ease of access coupled with comprehensive services allows for quick and efficient testing solutions, tailored to meet varying needs across the country.
In Deerfield, TN, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, clients can expect an effortless and secure experience. Ensuring confidentiality at every step, we address privacy concerns while maintaining a straightforward process.
Simplicity and confidentiality are paramount in our testing procedure. Our streamlined approach means that clients encounter minimal hassle, with secure handling of all personal information, reinforcing trust and convenience throughout the process.
Accredited Drug Testing in Deerfield, TN offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Despite cost-effectiveness, we guarantee quick turnaround times and high-quality results, ensuring excellent value for our clients who seek cost-saving solutions without compromising accuracy.
Our affordable pricing combined with fast results ensures that companies can maintain budgetary concerns while accessing reliable testing services. Clients benefit from top-tier service that provides transparency and peace of mind, reinforcing their commitment to workplace standards.
Hair follicle drug testing in Deerfield, TN is notable for its speed and precision. These tests provide fast results, ensuring that individuals and employers receive accurate information about substance use promptly. Compared to other methods, hair testing owes its accuracy to the inherent reliability and extendibility of the follicle, offering clear insights into an individual's history.
Accuracy is a cornerstone of hair follicle drug testing, making it a trusted choice for businesses looking to maintain workplace integrity. The precision in detecting substances through hair ensures that results are both fast and reliable, allowing for swift decision-making. This eliminates the uncertainty often faced with alternative testing methods.
Employers in Deerfield, TN find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, knowing they're adhering to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method aids in minimizing legal risks associated with substance abuse, fostering a safer environment. Compliance is streamlined, ensuring that the business operates within legal and ethical boundaries.
Hair testing not only facilitates adherence to workplace policies but also boosts overall productivity and safety. Employers can manage liabilities better, keeping their workplace secure and efficient, thereby enhancing team morale and reducing turnover rates.