Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by securing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is collected effortlessly, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Our reference to head hair concerns solely scalp hair. Body hair incorporates all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main four steps in processing a drug test outcome in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not supply.
Screening carries out an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that show presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test genuinely evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Hillville, TN, offers significant advantages over urine tests. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests are less prone to tampering and can detect drug use over a longer period. While urine tests are useful for recent usage, hair tests deliver a more comprehensive picture of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Hillville, TN, excels in providing an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method offers employers a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance use history, allowing for better informed decisions and ensuring workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
Using hair follicle tests in Hillville, TN, greatly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration. The method's robust nature ensures results are reliable and unquestionable, offering employers and legal authorities a trustworthy testing process that stands up to scrutiny and maintains integrity.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Hillville, TN, Accredited Drug Testing ensures quick and easy access to services. Employers and individuals benefit from hassle-free testing experiences, supported by strategically placed centers that prioritize customer convenience and responsiveness across the country.
The hair follicle testing process in Hillville, TN, remains simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure focuses on privacy and ease of use, eliminating concerns about personal data handling while emphasizing the straightforward, customer-friendly nature of our service offering.
Accredited Drug Testing in Hillville, TN, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This value-driven approach provides peace of mind to companies of all sizes, assuring that they receive cost-effective services without compromising the expediency and quality of results.
In Hillville, TN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests provide high accuracy in identifying substance use, making them an invaluable tool for employers and healthcare professionals. The reliability of hair follicle testing ensures that results are both fast and reflective of thorough, dependable analysis.
Employers in Hillville, TN, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing due to its alignment with drug-free policies. By ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks, this testing method enhances workplace safety, supporting a secure and efficient work environment and safeguarding the company's reputation and responsibilities.
