Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. The hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can provide up to about a 3-month alcohol and drug detection window. Hair is effortless to collect, a bit tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. With head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to rule out drug use for the majority of samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In case a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any screening-positive result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Ridge, TN
Hair analysis offers several advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in East Ridge. One key benefit is its ability to uncover a wider range of substances over a prolonged detection period. Unlike urine tests, hair testing minimizes the chance of false negatives, ensuring a thorough and reliable assessment.
Employers looking for stringent drug-free policies find hair analysis indispensable due to its higher accuracy. This method showcases superior reliability in diverse testing scenarios, meeting the rigorous demands of East Ridge's employment sectors.
Extended Detection Window in East Ridge, TN
The hair follicle testing method is valued for its extended detection period, which can track drug use as far back as 90 days. This expanded window gives employers in East Ridge a more comprehensive view of a candidate's or employee's history regarding substance use.
Such extensive tracking facilitates employers in making informed decisions, weighing the long-term behaviors and patterns of individuals under consideration. This detection window far surpasses what traditional methods offer.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Ridge, TN
Hair follicle testing offers a robust defense against tampering. Its collection process in East Ridge is designed to prevent manipulation, ensuring the integrity of the sample remains intact throughout the process, making cheating nearly impossible.
This tamper-resistance provides employers with unmatched confidence in the test results, reinforcing trust in the testing process and reducing the risk of erroneous data due to adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East Ridge, TN
Our nationwide and local testing centers, including those in East Ridge, provide easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. The convenience of multiple locations ensures a hassle-free experience for individuals and employers alike.
Accessibility and swift service are our top priorities, ensuring that testing procedures are streamlined and accessible, meeting the demands of both local and national clients effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in East Ridge, TN
Our hair follicle testing approach in East Ridge is both simple and confidential. The straightforward process for ordering, sample collection, and receiving results prioritizes privacy, ensuring that all involved parties have peace of mind regarding sensitive information.
Maintaining confidentiality throughout the testing process is critical, providing a secure experience that addresses privacy and ease concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Ridge, TN
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in East Ridge deliver significant value. These financial benefits and prompt results cater to companies of all sizes, providing comprehensive solutions.
Affordability paired with reliability ensures that businesses can integrate drug testing seamlessly, aligning budgetary constraints with safety and accuracy needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Ridge, TN
In East Ridge, hair follicle drug tests are associated with high precision and expedited outcomes. These tests stand out for their ability to accurately detect substance use, providing results that employers and individuals can rely on with confidence.
With hair follicle testing, results are delivered swiftly, ensuring no delays in decision-making processes. The accuracy of this method plays a crucial role in maintaining trust and reliability in drug testing procedures.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Ridge, TN
Employers in East Ridge can maintain peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace policies. Implementing this testing method helps reduce legal risks and ensures a safer working environment.
By leveraging the thorough nature of hair analysis, businesses can rest assured they are abiding by rules and maintaining standards, all while safeguarding the company's interests and reputation.
