Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record keeper by storing drug and alcohol markers within its growing strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use spanning up to roughly three months. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's best to measure this amount using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it's specifically scalp hair. In contrast, body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a hair drug test involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample enters the laboratory system. This process confirms the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any leftover data entry from an electronic custody system.
Screening follows with a preliminary check for drug substances. While it's an economical method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, any positive result here must undergo confirmation for legal validation. Presumptive positives identified during Screening require further validation.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample undergoes Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at minimal concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing one of the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive finding from Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the assay examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Lutts, TN, lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing surpasses traditional methods, offering detailed insights into substance use beyond limitations found in urine tests.
The extended detection window of up to 90 days makes hair follicle tests valuable for employers in Lutts, TN, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history. This window gives a fuller picture of habitual substance use rather than recent or isolated incidents.
Hair follicle tests significantly curb the potential for tampering, offering Lutts, TN, employers reliable and irrefutable outcomes. The resilient nature of the sample collection process ensures the authenticity and integrity of the results.
With convenient nationwide and local locations in Lutts, TN, Accredited Drug Testing offers seamless access to drug testing services. This widespread network ensures quick and hassle-free testing regardless of where employees are located.
Our process in Lutts, TN, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, performing, and obtaining hair follicle test results is stress-free and private, providing peace of mind for all involved.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Lutts, TN. We provide excellent value for businesses, regardless of size, ensuring peace of mind with our competitive offerings.
The hair follicle drug test offers speed and accuracy, providing fast and reliable detection of substance use in Lutts, TN. This method boasts high precision, ensuring that results are dependable and quickly obtained, aiding in effective decision-making.
For Lutts, TN, employers, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thus promoting legal compliance and safety. This method reduces legal risks and enhances the overall work environment.
