Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oak Ridge, TN

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Hair captures a lengthy record of drug and alcohol presence by embedding biomarkers within the fiber strands of the hair. A sample retrieved from near the scalp offers a detection timeframe of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is uncomplicated, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample consisting of 1.5 inches and roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation purposes. A specimen weight of 150mg is advised for EtG, additional screening, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is suggested. In instances where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair might be gathered. References to head hair exclusively pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory methodology for deriving a drug test outcome encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning phase encompasses the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, the allocation of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any supplemental data entry that an electronic chain of custody does not cover.

Screening is the initial rapid assessment targeting substances of abuse. Although Screening affordably excludes drug usage in most samples, verified court admissibility requires confirmation of a positive screen. Presumptive positives identified during Screening require subsequent confirmation.

During Screening, if a sample tests with a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction process. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods like urine or oral fluid, contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Any affirmative results from screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter time frames.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test proves to be highly challenging, leading to more credible outcomes.
• Historical usage overview: It provides insight into drug consumption patterns over time, rather than recent use only.

Drawbacks:

• Fails to detect recent consumption: Detection in hair requires a time span of approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests generally incur higher expenses compared to other drug testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth rates can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite occasionally being termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Oak Ridge, TN lies in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests excel in identifying drug use over an extended period, providing more detailed insights than urine tests typically can.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle drug tests are less susceptible to tampering and provide a much broader detection window, offering a more dependable reflection of an individual's substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window for Drug Use in Oak Ridge, TN offers a profound advantage for employers needing to monitor long-term substance use. Hair tests can trace drug usage for up to 90 days, giving a holistic view of an individual's habits.

Employers benefit from this extended detection by understanding an employee's or applicant's drug use patterns beyond just recent use, enhancing decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Reducing the Risk of Tampering with hair follicle tests is essential for authentic results in Oak Ridge, TN. These tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, providing trustworthy outcomes that are hard to manipulate.

This method significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering, offering a reliable alternative to urine tests which are easier to compromise.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Nationwide and Local Convenience in testing centers for Oak Ridge, TN ensures accessible drug testing services. Accredited Drug Testing provides numerous locations across the country, simplifying the process for individuals and businesses alike.

With extensive coverage, accessing our services is hassle-free, allowing quick scheduling and testing without the frustration of limited availability.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process ensures that the drug testing experience in Oak Ridge, TN is user-friendly and private. The process for ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward, safeguarding personal information.

This guarantees that individuals can focus on getting tested without concerns over privacy breaches, with results delivered discreetly and efficiently.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Pricing and Quick Service define our offerings in Oak Ridge, TN for hair follicle testing. Our affordable pricing strategies and fast results make it easier for companies of varying sizes to integrate testing into their workforce management.

Companies value the cost-effectiveness combined with rapid results, providing a blend of economic advantage and timely information for decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Drug Testing in Oak Ridge, TN is pivotal for ensuring workplace safety and compliance. Hair follicle drug tests are precise and provide quick results, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.

With a high level of accuracy, these tests detect substance use efficiently. The tests are designed to identify a wide range of drugs, ensuring that employers have a reliable means to monitor drug use in the workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for employers in Oak Ridge, TN is achievable through hair follicle drug testing. This method aligns with workplace drug policies, mitigating legal risks while promoting a safer workplace environment.

Employers gain confidence with hair testing as it provides clear evidence of an individual's long-term drug use, aiding in adherence to zero-tolerance policies.

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