Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by securing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate detection timeframe of three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and easy to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is recommended to measure the hair sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The process in the lab for a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is entered into the lab’s system. This phase includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick test for drug presence. While Screening is economical to eliminate drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method.
Positive Screening confirmations are done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The laboratory’s entire procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often misleads, as the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fowlkes, TN
Hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests. The increased detection accuracy and reliability are clear advantages, as hair tests track substance use over longer periods. This makes them ideal for employers and legal authorities seeking comprehensive drug use insights.
Extended Detection Window in Fowlkes, TN
The ability of hair follicle tests to detect drug use up to 90 days provides employers in Fowlkes, TN a more thorough profile of an individual's substance history. This extended window is crucial in making informed decisions about applicants or current employees, ensuring workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fowlkes, TN
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes sample tampering risk, providing dependable and unquestionable results. This method’s design deters adulteration, guaranteeing that the results accurately reflect an individual’s drug use history, valuable in legal and employment contexts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fowlkes, TN
With a network of testing centers nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple and hassle-free. Local testing options in Fowlkes, TN ensure swift and straightforward services, accommodating various testing needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fowlkes, TN
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This approach addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, making it a seamless experience for all involved in Fowlkes, TN.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fowlkes, TN
Our competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround make hair follicle testing an economical choice for businesses. This ensures organizations in Fowlkes, TN receive value while benefiting from efficient drug screening processes, regardless of size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fowlkes, TN
Hair follicle drug testing provides unmatched precision and quick results. Its high detection accuracy makes it a trusted method in identifying substance use, ensuring organizations in Fowlkes, TN receive clear and timely answers, bolstering their efforts towards maintaining safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fowlkes, TN
Using hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting a safer working environment. For employers, this translates to peace of mind, knowing their workforce meets compliance standards.
