Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective instrument in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands' fibers, hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can provide a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. It's straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily sent.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands, equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil, near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG add-ons and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first introduced into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional necessary data entry lacking in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it's cost-efficient to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be validated to stand up in legal proceedings. Samples that yield a presumptively positive result in Screening necessitate further verification.
In cases where a Screening stage result is presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the more challenging approaches.
Confirmation for any positive result from screening is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptively positive are cleansed when needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though they are frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Oakfield, TN offers undeniable advantages over urine testing. One significant benefit is its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a broader window into an individual’s drug history.
Urine tests are often limited in their detection capacity, which makes hair testing a more reliable choice for long-term drug use insights, supporting stricter compliance with drug-free policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Oakfield, TN can reach up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. This gives employers a better understanding of an employee or applicant's behavior over time.
Assessing a wider timeline helps organizations make informed decisions about hiring or retaining employees based on their substance use patterns.
Hair follicle tests in Oakfield, TN reduce the chances of tampering significantly. The testing method is robust against sample adulteration, providing trustworthy outcomes that are difficult to dispute.
Due to the nature of hair sampling, attempts to manipulate the test results are far less likely, ensuring the integrity of the testing procedure.
With numerous testing locations, our services in Oakfield, TN and across the nation provide unrivaled convenience. These centers offer swift and accessible testing solutions tailored to meet client needs efficiently.
Finding a local location simplifies the process, allowing applicants and employers to engage with testing services effortlessly, saving time and minimizing logistical hurdles.
The simplicity and confidentiality of our testing process in Oakfield, TN ensure that the experience is straightforward. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are handled discreetly, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Such an approach guarantees a seamless user experience, prioritizing client confidentiality at every step of the procedure.
Our competitive prices in Oakfield, TN make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of any size. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, we provide exceptional value and prompt peace of mind.
The affordability, coupled with efficient service, reinforces our position as a top choice for reliable drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Oakfield, TN is famed for its fast and precise results. The procedure stands out for its high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing key insights promptly.
The speed at which these tests deliver reliable results aids in making timely decisions for various stakeholders, ensuring that critical actions are taken based on accurate data.
Employers in Oakfield, TN find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it aligns with workplace drug-free policies. This compliance not only reduces the risk of legal issues but also promotes a safer working environment.
Implementing such rigorous testing protocols showcases a commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, essential for both employee safety and legal integrity.
