Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely regarded as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol use. Hair can reveal a historical pattern of substance consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands during growth. If taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month window for detection of alcohol and substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both initial screening and confirmation processes. For EtG tests, add-ons, or analyses beyond 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advisable. Usage of a jeweler's scale is suggested for accurate measurement. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. By "head hair," solely scalp hair is intended. The term "body hair" includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four core phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial incorporation of a specimen into a lab's workflow. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and transport of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carrying out any other data entry tasks absent in an electronic custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While it provides an economical way to exclude drug usage in most samples, positive results necessitate confirmation for court acceptance. Samples with a presumptive positive outcome in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample to prepare for Extraction. Within this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which attributes to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive Screening output is carried out using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are subjected to washing before Confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often denominated as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Lookout Mountain, TN
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy in Lookout Mountain compared to urine tests. Its longer detection window and resistance to tampering make it a popular choice. As a result, hair tests provide reliable insights into long-term substance use patterns, proving to be a valuable tool in various industries.
Extended Detection Window in Lookout Mountain, TN
Hair follicle testing in Lookout Mountain allows detection of substance use over a period extending up to 90 days. This extended window offers a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, enabling employers to make informed hiring and retention decisions. Such insights are critical for maintaining a safe and productive workplace.
In Lookout Mountain, TN, hair follicle tests stand out as a tamper-resistant method of drug screening. The difficulty in adulterating hair samples ensures that results are reliable and authentic, providing employers with confidence in the integrity of the testing process. This tamper-proof nature is a key benefit over other testing methods.
Our nationwide network of testing centers includes convenient locations in Lookout Mountain, TN, ensuring fast and easy access to hair follicle testing services. This accessibility minimizes downtime and disruption for both employers and individuals. With such widespread availability, our testing facilities provide a hassle-free experience.
In Lookout Mountain, TN, we streamline the drug testing process to ensure simplicity and confidentiality. Our straightforward procedure for ordering, conducting tests, and receiving results addresses privacy concerns effectively. This ease of use encourages compliance and demystifies the hair follicle testing experience for all involved.
Businesses of all sizes in Lookout Mountain, TN, benefit from our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures make hair follicle testing accessible without compromising on quality, providing companies with excellent value and certainty. Fast results help maintain business continuity and support informed decision-making.
In Lookout Mountain, TN, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. Their high accuracy levels make them a reliable option for detecting substance use effectively. Compared to traditional methods, hair tests provide results promptly, ensuring confident decision-making for employers and individuals alike. This precision is what sets hair follicle testing apart.
Employers in Lookout Mountain, TN, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, proving indispensable for maintaining a secure and productive work environment. Hair testing is a robust solution for employers seeking comprehensive substance monitoring.
