Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. It captures biomarkers within the growing hair strand fibers, providing a long-term record of alcohol and drugs. A sample taken near the scalp can offer roughly a three-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, a bit tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of approximately 200 strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, add-ons, or tests above 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. It's advised to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair solely; "body hair" includes other hair types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, creating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for substance abuse. While it economically helps eliminate drug use on most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for court acceptance. Presumptive positives from Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations from hair than from other tests like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging technique.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned as needed before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Within Norma, TN, hair follicle testing presents numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. The increased detection window coupled with a detailed analysis elevates its accuracy and dependability. Compared to urine tests, hair tests offer enhanced detection of substance use over a longer duration, making them a preferred choice for comprehensive screening by various organizations.
Hair follicle testing in Norma, TN, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing a broad illustration of an individual's drug history. This extensive timeframe grants employers a more thorough insight into an applicant or employee's past drug use, offering them peace of mind and aiding in informed decision-making regarding employment-related policies.
In Norma, TN, the hair follicle testing method significantly mitigates the risks associated with sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are challenging to adulterate, yielding dependable and unquestionable results. This inherent resistance to manipulation adds a layer of reliability, enhancing the credibility of the test outcomes.
Nationwide and local testing centers in Norma, TN, offer a convenient approach to hair testing. Our extensive network ensures easy access to drug testing services, facilitating a seamless experience for clients seeking reliable and timely screenings, hence enhancing convenience and reducing potential hurdles associated with test scheduling and location accessibility.
The hair testing process in Norma, TN, is simple and maintains confidentiality from ordering to results delivery. This process addresses privacy concerns, providing individuals with an efficient and discreet method to undergo drug testing. The straightforward nature ensures ease of use, alleviating any stress related to the testing procedure, making it both user-friendly and secure.
Norma, TN offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing, providing superb value for businesses of all sizes. Affordable structures paired with rapid result delivery make these tests an attractive choice, ensuring companies can maintain high standards of workplace safety without overextending budgets, thus ensuring economic yet effective solutions.
In Norma, TN, hair follicle testing offers swift and precise results, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. The advanced technology behind these tests ensures a high level of reliability, cementing their place as a vital tool in drug testing. These tests efficiently identify drug use, providing crucial information within short timeframes, making them indispensable for time-sensitive situations.
Employers in Norma, TN, benefit from using hair follicle testing for workplace drug policies, upholding compliance, and minimizing legal liabilities. This method ensures the implementation of stringent drug-free workplaces, promoting safety and fostering an environment of peace for both employees and management by providing consistent, accurate results for policy maintenance.
