Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a longitudinal record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of drug test outcomes comprises four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning step entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory's system, including the verification of proper sealing and shipping, assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary, swift assessment for drugs of misuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug usage in the majority of samples, positive screens must undergo confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples presumed positive require additional confirmation steps.
Should a sample be presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drug substances are extracted at lower concentrations than seen in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The complete process from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North of the River, TN, hair follicle testing is often favored over urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests are less prone to manipulation and provide a broader window for discovering substance use. Not only do they offer greater reliability, but they also present a comprehensive picture of an individual’s history.
Hair tests in North of the River, TN, provide an extended detection window, monitoring drug use up to 90 days back. This comprehensive view offers employers insight into an individual's long-term habits, surpassing the brief timeframe of urine tests.
In North of the River, TN, hair follicle testing is a strongly tamper-resistant method, ensuring the integrity of results. Unlike urine tests, the chances of adulteration are minimal, which is vital for dependable drug testing.
With numerous centers, North of the River, TN, offers convenience in hair follicle testing locations. Nationwide availability ensures prompt and straightforward access to testing services.
In North of the River, TN, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. Ordering, testing, and result retrieval are confidential and user-friendly.
In North of the River, TN, hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and quick results. Our efficient process provides value for companies of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly solutions.
In North of the River, TN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precise results. They accurately detect a wide range of substances, providing reliable outcomes that are crucial in various settings.
Employers in North of the River, TN, finding peace of mind in hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, cutting legal risks and boosting safety.
