Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has evolved into an effective method for identifying substance consumption. Hair captures evidence of drugs and alcohol over time by encapsulating chemical markers within the follicles. Sampling hair near the scalp can reveal substance use over about a three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. If the test involves EtG, additional screenings, or exceeds 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If head hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into the lab's system. This stage includes verifying the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening represents a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While it is cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in most samples, any positive findings require further confirmation for legal purposes. Samples testing positive during Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should Screening indicate a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for the Extraction phase. This process extracts drugs from hair, albeit in lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair analysis more complex.
Positively-screened results undergo GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS Confirmation. Presumed positives are washed prior to confirmation, as needed. The processes from Accessioning through Confirmation adhere to CAP (College of American Pathologists) specifications and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term “hair follicle test” is a misnomer, as the analysis targets the strand rather than the follicle.
Why Hair Testing Prevails in Oakwood, TN
Comparing hair follicle and urine tests reveals the former’s superior detection capabilities. Hair testing provides a comprehensive drug use profile with an extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair tests capture longer-term substance histories, enhancing accuracy and ensuring reliability, thus making hair testing the preferred choice for discerning assessments.
An Extensive View of Drug Use
In Oakwood, hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window, extending up to a full 90 days. This method provides employers with a thorough overview of an individual's substance use history. Unlike other tests, hair testing furnishes a detailed timeline, offering insights into long-term drug habits, crucial for informed hiring and management decisions.
Ensured Integrity with Hair Testing
Hair follicle testing in Oakwood drastically minimizes the chances of result manipulation. With its robust collection method, this testing is far less susceptible to tampering compared to other methods. Each test ensures authenticity and confidence in the final results, protecting the integrity of the screening process and supporting fair evaluations.
Access and Convenience Nationwide
In Oakwood, TN, finding a testing site is convenient due to our widespread network. Our nationwide centers provide easy and efficient access, making the testing process seamless. Clients can rely on local and accessible facilities for their requirements, eliminating the hassle of extensive travel, thus ensuring effortless testing experiences.
Effortless and Confidential Testing
Testing in Oakwood, TN, is straightforward and private. Our user-friendly process ensures ease from order to result delivery. Understanding privacy concerns, we prioritize confidentiality, allowing users to easily manage their testing needs, ensuring assurance and comfort for individuals sensitive to privacy matters.
Value and Speed in Testing
Oakwood’s competitive pricing and rapid processing make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution. Quick turnaround times coupled with strategic pricing provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Companies benefit from efficient service without compromising on quality, reinforcing both financial prudence and organizational responsibility.
Speed and Precision in Oakwood, TN
The hair follicle drug test in Oakwood offers swift, precise results that highlight its capabilities. Its advanced detection methodology ensures high accuracy and reliability. Critical for employers and individuals alike, this method not only quantifies substance use accurately but also ensures fast turnaround, making it the go-to solution for time-sensitive testing needs.
Supporting Compliance in Oakwood, TN
Employers in Oakwood can bolster workplace safety and policy adherence through hair follicle testing. This method enhances compliance with drug-free protocols, reducing legal risks. By providing defensible results, it fosters a secure environment, ensuring peace of mind for both employers and employees while supporting organizational integrity.