Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and other drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A sample length of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional components, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This phase includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, allotting a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples; however, a positive screen must be verified for legal eligibility. Any samples showing presumptive positive results during Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Verification of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before verification as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Dresden, TN
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing boasts greater detection accuracy and reliability. Employers prefer hair tests for their zero-tolerance policies because:
Extended Detection Window in Dresden, TN
Hair follicle testing stands out for its extensive detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, essential for employers assessing applicants or employees' habits.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Dresden, TN
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of tampering or sample adulteration. This reliability ensures unquestionable results that employers and legal authorities can trust.
Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide and Locally in Dresden, TN
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures easy access for drug testing nationwide, including in Dresden. The convenience provided ensures quick and hassle-free testing.
Simple and Confidential Process in Dresden, TN
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease: Order a test, undergo sample collection, and receive results securely.
Cost-Effective Pricing and Swift Turnaround in Dresden, TN
Our competitive pricing alongside quick result delivery provides excellent value for companies. Hair testing in Dresden is both affordable and efficient, providing:
The reliability and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in Dresden, TN. With top-tier precision in detecting drug use, these tests stand out for their remarkable accuracy.
Highlighted advantages include:
Ensuring Compliance and Tranquility for Employers in Dresden, TN
Adopting hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, important for legal adherence and accident reduction.
