Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Nashville, TN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now perceived as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol usage as hair retains biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. If gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption history for a span of roughly 90 days. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will amount to 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, additional testing, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample weight is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

There are four critical steps in the laboratory's analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning deals with the primary integration of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the sample’s integrity in sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not supplied by electronic tracking systems.

Screening entails an initial swift examination for controlled substances. Although Screening is economically efficient for ruling out drug presence in most samples, court admissibility requires confirmation of a positive screening result. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening will need further confirmation.

When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is withdrawn from the sample and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair testing a highly challenging methodology.

The Confirmation of any positive Screening result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation when necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter durations.
• Difficult to evade: Cheating a hair drug test is nearly impossible, which enhances result reliability.
• Traces historical usage: It indicates drug use patterns over time and not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs require roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier than other methods.
• Result variations: Individual factors like hair coloration and growth rate can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair shaft, rather than the follicle beneath the surface.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Nashville, TN, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering longer detection windows and enhanced accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which only detect recent drug use, hair testing provides insights into habitual patterns over months. This makes it a superior choice for employers seeking thorough assessments of an individual's substance history.

Extended Detection Window

Nashville, TN benefits greatly from the extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing. Unlike other methods, hair testing can reveal drug consumption up to 90 days prior, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This extended window is invaluable to employers looking for reliable and thorough screening.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Nashville, TN, hair follicle tests are known for their resilience against tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily adulterated, hair tests offer virtually tamper-proof results. This reliability ensures that the outcomes are trusted and accurate, providing significant assurance to employers and individuals relying on these tests.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Nashville, TN's access to a network of nationwide testing centers provides unmatched convenience. With local facilities available, individuals and businesses can expect quick and hassle-free testing services, ensuring that accessing these critical drug test services is straightforward and efficient.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Nashville, TN, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process safeguards privacy and offers ease of use. This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns and ensures users can engage with the process comfortably and securely.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

For Nashville, TN businesses, competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing provide exceptional value. This combination of affordability and efficiency ensures that companies of all sizes can benefit, making it a cost-effective choice for safeguarding workplace safety.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Nashville, TN, hair follicle tests deliver unmatched precision in drug detection. These tests are not only fast but also maintain high accuracy, making them ideal for confirming substance use. Their rapid processing time ensures that decisions based on test results can be made swiftly, providing both peace of mind and effective results for employers and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Nashville, TN find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By implementing these tests, businesses reduce legal risks and ensure a safer work environment, fostering a culture of trust and responsibility.

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