Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of substances by embedding markers in the growing strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tricky to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp generates 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh specimens using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't available, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we imply scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four central steps in the lab analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab's system. This comprises confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening features an initial brief evaluation for drug misuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples suspected positive during Screening necessitate further Confirmation.
If a sample is suspected positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and is prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any Screening positive result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples positive for presumptive results are cleaned before confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequent mentions as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Huntsville, TN, trumps urine testing by offering superior detection capabilities. This method not only provides higher accuracy but also outshines the traditional urine test by identifying substances long after initial use. Employers gain an advantage with this comprehensive test, which ensures a drug-free environment.
Advantages include:
In Huntsville, TN, the prolonged detection window of hair follicle testing offers a wider scope of substance history—up to 90 days. This allows employers to attain a comprehensive view of an individual's potential drug use, supporting informed decision-making regarding employment.
Key features:
Hair follicle testing in Huntsville, TN, significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, offering robust protection against adulteration. Due to the nature of hair samples, altering results is extremely difficult, ensuring reliability in drug use detection.
Highlights:
With nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Huntsville, TN, drug testing becomes especially convenient. Our expansive network ensures quick and hassle-free access to testing services, providing employers and individuals with efficient solutions.
Convenience features:
The hair follicle testing process in Huntsville, TN, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are straightforward, ensuring users maintain privacy and encounter minimal hassle throughout.
Process benefits:
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Huntsville, TN, delivers exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Our economically structured pricing ensures affordability while guaranteeing the speedy delivery of reliable results.
Economic benefits:
Renowned for speed and accuracy, hair follicle tests in Huntsville, TN, deliver fast results, ensuring quick decision-making. With high precision in substance detection, these tests offer a reliable method for identifying drug use, distinctly surpassing traditional methods in providing dependable evidence for employers.
Benefits of hair testing include:
Employers in Huntsville, TN, gain peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing as part of their drug-free workplace policies. This testing method assures compliance, minimizes legal risks, and promotes a safer work environment, enhancing overall workplace security.
Employer benefits:
