Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jamestown, TN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the hair shaft as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is suggested. If there is no scalp hair available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair are specific to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four crucial stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This consists of confirming the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires subsequent confirmation to be legally credible. Samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

When a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, further hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents a considerable challenge to perform.

Any positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use over a 90-day span, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is difficult, thus results tend to be more reliable.
• Holds historical evidence: It reveals a drug use pattern across time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Does not detect recent use: Drugs require about 5-7 days to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically costlier than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth rates can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair Follicle Testing Advantages over Traditional Urine Testing in Jamestown, TN include:

• Longer detection windows for substance use
• Better reliability and accuracy
• Less risk of sample manipulation

Extended Detection Window

The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Jamestown, TN offers:

• Drug history visibility up to 90 days
• A fuller picture of an individual's substance use
• Enhanced decision-making capabilities for employers

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Jamestown, TN, hair follicle tests reduce the risk of tampering through:

• Observable collection of samples
• Unmodifiable hair samples
• Firm, unquestionable results

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key in Jamestown, TN through our Nationwide and Local Testing Locations:

• Quick and easy access to testing services
• Streamlined processes at nearby centers
• Hassle-free testing experiences

Simple, Confidential Process

The Simple and Confidential Process in Jamestown, TN includes:

• Easy ordering of tests
• Confidential administration and results
• Privacy protection throughout the process

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jamestown, TN means:

• Competitive and transparent pricing
• Swift processing times for results
• Valuable services for businesses of all sizes

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Testing in Jamestown, TN involves hair follicle drug tests which offer

• High precision in determining substance use
• Quick process from submission to results
• Reliable data for informed decision making

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jamestown, TN means:

• Enforcing drug-free workplace policies
• Mitigating potential legal risks
• Promoting a safer working environment

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