Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair stores a lengthy record of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, it offers roughly a 90-day period for detecting drugs and alcohol usage. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), is collected nearest the scalp to yield 100mg—the preferred quantity for screening and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panel tests exceeding ten, a 150mg sample of hair is advised. It is recommended that the sample be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent measure of body hair may be used. Mention of head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (e.g., facial, axillary).
Procedure Summary
The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test sample traditionally includes four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial inclusion of a sample into the laboratory framework. Steps include verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, issuing an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data inputs not provided through a digital chain of custody system.
Screening entails an early appraisal for drugs of misuse. While Screening serves as an economical means for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive result mandates verification to be legally valid. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Any positive screens receive Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Preceding Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The entire lab sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines, alongside ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Challenges:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Loudon, TN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in several ways. With superior accuracy and reliability, hair tests minimize errors and provide tangible proof of drug use over an extended period, unlike urine tests.
Employing hair testing ensures employers get a clear, long-term view of drug use, offering better accuracy and making it a robust alternative to the conventional urine method.
Hair follicle testing in Loudon, TN, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability gives employers a thorough understanding of an employee's long-term drug use history, unlike shorter methods.
Employers gain a comprehensive view of applicants, allowing for informed hiring decisions and maintaining a drug-free work environment with hair testing's increased detection span.
In Loudon, TN, hair follicle tests deliver a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing. These tests reduce the risk of sample adulteration significantly, ensuring that results are not just accurate but unquestionable.
Unlike other methods, hair tests in Loudon are hard to manipulate, providing peace of mind with results that are trusted for their integrity and ability to withstand attempts at tampering.
For those in Loudon, TN, convenient access to hair follicle testing is assured with our nationwide and local testing centers. Ensuring quick and hassle-free services is our priority, making testing accessible for everyone.
Our wide network allows for prompt service, eliminating long waits and ensuring individuals and companies get the testing services they need with minimal inconvenience and maximum efficiency.
In Loudon, TN, we provide a straightforward and private process for hair follicle drug testing. The process is designed to be simple, maintaining confidentiality and ease of use throughout, from ordering to results reception.
Privacy and simplicity are ensured at every step, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and making the entire experience stress-free and effective for all involved.
With our affordable pricing models in Loudon, TN, we make hair follicle testing accessible for businesses of any size. Fast turnaround times further enhance value, ensuring timely results when needed most.
Our competitive pricing and efficiency provide excellent value, helping companies of all scales manage costs while still accessing reliable and swift drug testing services.
When it comes to swift and dependable drug testing in Loudon, TN, hair follicle tests stand out. Known for their high precision, these tests quickly detect substance use, providing accurate insights into an individual's drug history.
The accuracy of hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled, making them a trusted choice for those seeking reliable and prompt results in substance detection, ensuring safety and compliance in Loudon, TN.
Hair follicle testing offers more than just compliance in Loudon, TN; it provides employers peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, hair tests ensure adherence to drug-free policies.
Implementing these tests supports a culture of safety within companies, helping maintain a secure work environment and safeguarding business interests from potential disruptions caused by drug use.