Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When sourced from near the scalp, hair can show alcohol and drug presence for up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipment.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes other hair categories (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The four core stages in laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary handling of a sample in a lab's framework. This process involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for prohibited substances. Although Screening serves as an economical approach to eliminate drug intake on most samples, a positive indication requires verification to be permissible in legal settings. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation process.
Should a sample suggestive of positivity in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This process extracts drugs from hair at a much lesser concentration than alternative techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), which contributes to the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive Screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", the analysis assesses the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Testing?
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in Elk Valley, TN due to superior detection capabilities and accuracy. Hair tests cover an extensive detection window and are not easily compromised, ensuring reliable results.
Comprehensive Detection
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests more accurately pinpoint substance use over time, offering a clearer picture of an individual's history. This makes it an ideal choice for thorough screening processes.
Extended Detection Period
Detect drug use for up to 90 days in Elk Valley, TN with hair follicle tests. This extensive window grants employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history, which is crucial for informed decision-making.
Employers benefit from the lengthy detection period of hair tests, providing them with the necessary information to maintain a safe, drug-free work environment. This aligns with company policies that demand longer-term insights into employee behavior.
Reliable and Secure
Hair follicle testing in Elk Valley, TN is less prone to tampering compared to other test types. Its robustness makes it nearly impossible to alter results, ensuring integrity and trust in the findings.
This method minimizes the risk of adulteration, making it a preferred choice for employers requiring conclusive results. By reducing the chance of cheating, hair tests provide trustworthy data to support critical personnel decisions.
Widespread Accessibility
Our expansive network of testing centers includes Elk Valley, TN, making drug testing services easy and convenient to access. Nationwide, we ensure quick and efficient services.
Local Convenience
With locations throughout Elk Valley, TN, our centers offer seamless testing experiences. Whether local or nationwide, our presence guarantees easy accessibility, alleviating logistical concerns for all involved.
Confidential and Simple
Ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Elk Valley, TN is straightforward. Our process prioritizes privacy and ease, making it hassle-free for individuals and employers alike.
Clients can rest assured that their privacy is protected every step of the way, from appointment scheduling to result delivery, with our confidential and efficient process.
Cost-Effective and Fast
Our hair follicle testing services in Elk Valley, TN offer competitive pricing and rapid results, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
With pricing that suits various budgets and fast turnaround times, our services are designed to meet the needs of employers who value both efficacy and economy. This equilibrium of cost and speed makes our offerings attractive and practical.
Speed and Accuracy
Hair follicle testing in Elk Valley, TN provides fast and accurate results. Its precision ensures that any traces of substances are reliably flagged, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals seeking dependable outcomes.
The technology behind hair testing allows it to detect substance use with high accuracy. Testing centers in Elk Valley, TN are equipped to offer quick turnaround times, making it a preferred method for those seeking reliability alongside efficiency.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
In Elk Valley, TN, hair follicle testing assists employers in adhering to drug-free policies and diminishes legal risks. It fosters a safer workplace, contributing to peace of mind and compliance assurance.
Employers gain confidence using hair tests as they comply with regulations while upholding vigilant workplace safety standards. This effective strategy safeguards company interests and enhances overall productivity.