Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and drug exposure by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the extending hair strand. When obtained from the area nearest to the scalp, hair may offer up to a nearly three-month period of detection for alcohol and different drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for a drug test result consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in the majority of specimens, a positive outcome requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is drawn from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the scalp-embedded follicle.
In Olivet, TN, hair follicle testing demonstrates clear advantages over urine tests. The extended detection period and difficulty in manipulation makes hair testing more trustworthy. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair tests offer a broader timeline, giving a clear view of an individual’s substance history.
Hair testing is ideal for maintaining a drug-free environment, especially for those needing comprehensive screenings. Urine tests may miss long-term patterns due to their limited scope.
Hair follicle testing in Olivet, TN offers a robust detection window of up to 90 days. This method empowers employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history, beyond recent consumption.
Such an extensive timeframe ensures that any habitual patterns are evident, enhancing the effectiveness of workplace drug policies. This type of testing is not just accurate, but insightful, prioritizing long-term employee health and safety.
In Olivet, TN, hair follicle tests greatly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. The collection process is directly observed, reducing the opportunities for switching or adulterating samples.
The integrity of the hair sample ensures that results are unquestionably reliable. Employers and authorities can have full confidence in the validity of these tests, making them a robust option for drug policy compliance.
In Olivet, TN, and beyond, our network of nationwide centers ensures easy access to testing services. Conveniently located testing facilities mean quicker, hassle-free processing of appointments.
Whether for employer needs or personal requirements, the testing process remains streamlined and efficient. Our presence in numerous locations guarantees support is always nearby, no matter where you are.
In Olivet, TN, the process of obtaining a hair follicle test is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to uphold privacy and ease of use.
Clients can expect swift service and discretion throughout the procedure. The streamlined nature of the process addresses privacy concerns, ensuring that sensitive information remains well-protected.
Olivet, TN boasts affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Competitive rates mean that companies of all sizes can benefit from these top-tier services without breaking the bank.
Timely results and cost-effectiveness combine to offer excellent value. By prioritizing both quality and efficiency, our services provide confidence and financial peace of mind.
In Olivet, TN, the precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests are noteworthy. High accuracy in detecting past substance use is a hallmark of this method. Results are not only fast but also incredibly reliable, providing peace of mind for employers and professionals alike.
The ability to capture comprehensive data ensures that hair follicle tests offer detailed insights into prior drug consumption. This quick turnaround time and assurance of validity make it a preferred choice for many.
In Olivet, TN, hair follicle testing is pivotal for maintaining compliance with workplace drug policies. By choosing this method, employers can ensure they meet legal standards with ease.
Hair testing provides peace of mind, reducing legal risks and supporting a safer work environment. The confidence in knowing employees are substance-free enhances workplace morale and productivity.
