Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a key method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers preserve long-term evidence of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, the hair provides an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is simple to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair may be taken. When referencing head hair, this pertains to scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation constitute the primary steps in the lab processing of drug test results.
Accessioning marks the initial phase where a sample is processed into a lab's system. Tasks include verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient in clarifying drug absence in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptively positive screenings must undergo additional confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result from Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Positive screening results are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lancing, TN, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can uncover long-term substance use, offering dependable outcomes. This makes them the preferred choice for situations demanding rigorous analysis, setting a new standard in drug testing protocols.
Employers in Lancing, TN benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which identifies drug usage over a span of up to 90 days. This provides a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, offering invaluable insight into potential employees' long-term behavior, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Lancing, TN present a tamper-resistant testing method that significantly minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration. Offering definitive and undeniable results, these tests ensure that the integrity of the drug testing process is upheld, providing confidence in the outcomes that standard tests cannot match.
With conveniently located testing centers nationwide, including in Lancing, TN, access to hair follicle testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free. This expansive network ensures that anyone needing testing can find a nearby facility without delay, promoting efficient and timely attendance for all testing requirements.
In Lancing, TN, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering a test, participating in it, and receiving results are all streamlined for user convenience, while maintaining strict privacy standards to address any concerns regarding confidentiality or ease of use.
Our services in Lancing, TN offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround. The competitive pricing structures ensure value for all company sizes, coupled with rapid result delivery, empowering organizations to conduct necessary testing without financial strain, and maintaining operational efficiency.
In Lancing, TN, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their exceptional precision, enabling them to detect substances with high accuracy. This reliability ensures that individuals and organizations receive results they can trust, swiftly confirming substance use history and helping to maintain a drug-free workplace.
In Lancing, TN, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers. Implementing this testing method helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, lowering legal risks and fostering a safer, more compliant work environment, which is paramount for any organization committed to safety and legality.
