Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. It offers a prolonged timeline of drug and alcohol consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When the sample is taken adjacent to the scalp, hair can provide up to a roughly three-month window of detection for substances like alcohol and other drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock consisting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or assessments exceeding ten panels, 150mg is recommended. We advocate weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar volume of body hair can be used. In our context, head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core steps in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process verifies that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input not covered by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples, a test positive result must be authenticated to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
If the Screening stage results indicate a presumptive positive, further hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from the hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmatory testing of any positive screened samples is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples that are considered presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The laboratory procedure ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Erwin, TN
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Erwin offers superior detection capabilities and reliability. With its extensive detection window, it provides a comprehensive view of substance use history, which urine tests cannot match. As a trusted method, it eliminates uncertainty, granting peace of mind to employers and professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Erwin, TN
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle testing captures up to 90 days of drug use history, offering a thorough substance usage profile. This broad detection period assists employers in making informed decisions, giving them invaluable insights into an individual’s past substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Erwin, TN
Hair follicle tests dramatically minimize the chances of sample tampering, delivering results that are both reliable and secure. This test method's robustness ensures that employers and organizations receive undeniable evidence of an individual's substance use history, fostering trust and accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Erwin, TN
With testing centers conveniently located nationwide, including Erwin, TN, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. Accredited Drug Testing provides seamless and hassle-free test administration, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Erwin, TN
Ensuring a straightforward and private process, Accredited Drug Testing in Erwin guarantees confidentiality from test ordering to result reception. This ease of use ensures that concerns about privacy are addressed, offering a seamless experience that prioritizes user comfort and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Erwin, TN
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, making drug testing accessible and efficient for companies of all sizes. By balancing cost-effectiveness with quick turnaround, we ensure that our clients receive superior service and value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Erwin, TN
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise results that surpass traditional methods. With unparalleled accuracy, these tests detect substance use effectively, ensuring high reliability and tamper resistance. Accredited Drug Testing in Erwin ensures rapid processing, making it the go-to choice for those seeking dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Erwin, TN
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating potential legal liabilities. By opting for this testing method, employers can foster a safer work environment, reducing legal risks and offering peace of mind through its trustworthy results.
