Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal a substantial history of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When the hair sample is taken near the scalp, it can provide an approximate 90-day window to detect the presence of alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, providing the optimal quantity for both screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. Use a jeweler’s scale for accurate specimen weight. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary components in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial processing of a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary rapid test for detecting drugs of abuse. Despite being a cost-efficient method to rule out drug presence for most samples, a screen that returns positive must be verified to hold up in legal proceedings. All samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a second confirmation step.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration much finer than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is verified under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Huntland, TN eclipses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to a brief detection window, hair testing catches drug use over an extended period, offering a more reliable assessment. The longer timeframe and stringent procedures make it difficult to manipulate the results, ensuring they are consistently credible.
In Huntland, TN, hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive insight into an individual's drug use history. These tests can detect substance use for up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed perspective of a candidate's behavioral patterns. This extended window surpasses the capabilities of other testing methods, establishing a thorough understanding of substance history.
Emphasizing reliability, hair follicle testing in Huntland, TN, significantly reduces tampering risks. The method is less prone to manipulation compared to others, ensuring samples remain uncontaminated. This guarantees reliable and unambiguous results, securing the integrity of the testing process.
We offer convenient hair follicle testing at nationwide locations, including locally in Huntland, TN. Our vast network ensures accessibility and ease, making the testing process quick and hassle-free. With testing centers spread across the region, scheduling and completing a test is an effortless experience for all.
The process of hair follicle testing in Huntland, TN is both simple and confidential. Ordering the test, taking it, and receiving results are straightforward, emphasizing user privacy. This approach addresses any concerns regarding personal information security while ensuring a seamless user experience.
In Huntland, TN, we pride ourselves on providing affordable hair follicle tests with fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality or efficiency, giving peace of mind to employers.
In Huntland, TN, hair follicle testing stands out for its unparalleled accuracy and swiftness. With this method, detection of substances is both timely and precise, allowing for dependable examination of substance intake. The efficiency of these tests ensures results are returned rapidly, eliminating prolonged waiting times and promoting a faster decision-making process.
For employers in Huntland, TN, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind. This method aligns perfectly with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers can confidently maintain a secure environment, knowing that their drug testing processes are both comprehensive and trustworthy.