Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers capture biomarkers of alcohol and drugs, providing an extended usage history. When strands are acquired near the scalp, they offer a detection window of up to around 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp would yield approximately 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the integration of a sample into the lab system. The process confirms the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data input not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive finding in Screening needs confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples showing presumptive positives in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening shows a sample as presumptively positive, extra hair is taken from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair here at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenge of hair drug testing.
Any positive result from Screening is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo cleaning before confirmation as required. The progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For those in Lafayette, TN, choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing proves beneficial for several reasons. Hair tests provide a broader detection range and enhanced accuracy. Unlike urine tests, they allow for a comprehensive and trustworthy examination of drug usage. Employers and legal professionals alike find hair testing indispensable due to its resistance to tampering and broad-spectrum insight.
The lengthy detection window offered by hair follicle testing is unparalleled in drug detection methods available in Lafayette, TN. Extending up to 90 days, it provides an extensive look into an individual's drug and substance history. For employers, this broader perspective is invaluable, offering a detailed overview necessary for making informed decisions regarding potential or current employees.
Hair follicle tests in Lafayette, TN, stand out as a tamper-resistant method in drug testing. The rigorous process of collection limits the potential for sample adulteration significantly, providing trustworthy results each time. This integrity is crucial, as it ensures that the findings remain unquestionable, protecting companies from potential manipulation efforts commonly seen in other testing methodologies.Stable and Secure
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations across Lafayette, TN, ensuring simple access for hair follicle testing. With centers available nationwide, the process becomes hassle-free, accommodating businesses and individuals alike. Fast and efficient service means less downtime and a seamless experience for all involved.
In Lafayette, TN, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the entire procedure emphasizes privacy and ease of use. This approach addresses concerns regarding personal information and streamlines the testing experience, making it accessible to all in need.
Offering competitive rates and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Lafayette, TN, provides businesses of all sizes excellent value. The affordable pricing structures ensure that comprehensive and accurate drug testing remains within budget. This affordability, combined with prompt results, offers outstanding service and peace of mind to companies striving to maintain a drug-free environment.
In Lafayette, TN, hair follicle drug testing is synonymous with fast, precise results. This method is renowned for its accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring effective screenings. Employers can rely on its thoroughness, knowing they are getting reliable data when assessing an individual's drug history. The speed of obtaining results ensures that critical decisions can be made promptly without sacrificing precision.
Quick and Accurate
Employers in Lafayette, TN, gain significant peace of mind by implementing hair follicle drug testing. This method helps guarantee compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. It enhances safety and promotes a more secure work environment, offering reassurance to both employers and employees.