Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has become recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a nearly 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
Gathering a 1.5-inch snippet of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation purposes. When dealing with EtG, extras, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In mentioning head hair, only scalp hair is intended. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a financially efficient means to dismiss drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted at considerably lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the testing process actually examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Elkton, TN, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine testing methods. Hair tests provide a broader view of an individual's substance use due to their extended detection window, enhancing accuracy compared to urine tests. Reliability in detecting past drug use makes hair testing an ideal choice for organizations seeking to maintain drug-free environments.
The hair follicle testing method in Elkton, TN offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days into an individual's drug use history. Employers benefit from a more comprehensive insight into a candidate's or employee's past substance habits, providing an essential tool for maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
In Elkton, TN, hair follicle drug tests markedly lower the chances of sample tampering. The collection technique used is highly resistant to adulteration, ensuring unquestionable reliability of results. This security makes hair testing a preferable option over other testing methods vulnerable to manipulation.
Accredited Drug Testing's presence in Elkton, TN is part of a vast network of nationwide test centers, offering convenience to all clients. Quick and hassle-free access to testing services eliminates the burden of long-distance travel, ensuring easy access to reliable services whenever needed.
The process for undertaking hair follicle tests in Elkton, TN is simple and confidential. The straightforward ordering, testing, and results receiving system safeguards client privacy and ensures a stress-free experience. This approach caters to individuals concerned about privacy and ease of testing.
In Elkton, TN, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing alongside quick turnaround times, providing clients excellent value without compromising on quality. Our competitive pricing structure suits businesses of various scales, ensuring they receive exemplary services and peace of mind.
Residents of Elkton, TN can expect fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes with hair follicle drug tests. This form of testing is renowned for its precision in identifying substances. Its rapid processing ensures timely feedback without sacrificing accuracy, a crucial aspect for decision-making in professional settings.
The application of hair follicle testing in Elkton, TN offers compliance with workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks while promoting safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that this method provides clear, admissible, and dependable results that help reinforce a safe working condition.
