Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. By incorporating biomarkers into the strands, hair reveals a comprehensive history of consumption. Captured near the scalp, it offers a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to alter, and transport-friendly.
A 1.5-inch segment, consisting of about 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil's size) near the scalp, yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and assays over 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is insufficient, comparable quantities of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes other varieties like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The processing in a laboratory setting essentially involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase is where the sample first enters the laboratory system. This stage ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes supplementary data input when not provided electronically.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although it provides a cost-effective approach to detect drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal compliance. Presumptive positives found in Screening necessitate further corroborative testing.
If initial Screening indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair from the specimen undergoes Extraction. This process extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most complex methodology.
For Confirmation of preliminary positive results, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The procedural journey from Accessioning through to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp.
When considering hair follicle testing versus urine testing in Mansfield, TN, hair analysis provides superior detection accuracy. It proves to be more reliable than traditional methods, capturing a broader range of substance traces.
In Mansfield, TN, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, stretching up to 90 days, provides employers with an in-depth review of an individual's substance use history. This comprehensive insight aids in making informed decisions.
In Mansfield, TN, hair follicle testing minimizes sample adulteration, ensuring reliability. This testing method offers trustworthy results that stand up to scrutiny, reducing doubts about the test's validity.
With our nationwide presence and local centers in Mansfield, TN, accessing our testing services is both swift and straightforward. This reach simplifies testing needs, providing a hassle-free experience.
The process in Mansfield, TN is straightforward and confidential, making ordering, testing, and receiving results seamless. It addresses privacy concerns effectively, ensuring a worry-free experience.
In Mansfield, TN, we offer competitive pricing that doesn't compromise on quick turnaround times. Companies benefit from great value and assurance, catering to businesses of any size.
Hair follicle drug tests in Mansfield, TN offer unparalleled precision and swiftness. They boast a high accuracy rate, ensuring that substance use is effectively identified. These tests provide rapid and reliable results, making them a top choice for many.
Using hair follicle testing in Mansfield, TN promotes workplace policy compliance, reducing legal challenges and enhancing safety. Employers benefit from peace of mind knowing they uphold a drug-free environment.
