Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. The hair serves as a record keeper for substance use over time by embedding drug metabolites within its strands during growth. When obtained near the scalp, this hair sample can indicate drug and alcohol use for a period of three months. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair section measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil size) can yield 100mg, the optimal quantity for initial testing and verification. For EtG analysis, additional testing, or for panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weight confirmation is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Here, head hair specifically references scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing process at laboratory level includes four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the lab begins formal processing of the sample. This step involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any non-electronic chain of custody data input.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for drug presence. Although Screening helps efficiently eliminate drug usage from many cases, positive results must be confirmed for judicial acceptance. Samples that show presumptively positive results in Screening will need further validation.
If a sample is deemed potentially positive during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), posing a challenge unique to hair analysis.
Confirmation for all positive screening outcomes is conducted with techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptively positive undergo washing before Confirmation if required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both CAP's Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," it's the hair strand itself being analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pulaski, TN, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing, providing superior detection accuracy over extended periods. Hair tests uncover substance use up to 90 days prior, offering a thorough glimpse into an individual's history, unlike the shorter detection window of urine tests.
Hair testing's reliability is unmatched, as it's less vulnerable to tampering than urine samples. This unparalleled accuracy makes it a preferred choice for employers, courts, and rehabilitation professionals over traditional methods.
Employers in Pulaski, TN, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which reveal substance use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview allows employers to assess an individual’s past substance history effectively, supporting informed decision-making.
This extended window is crucial, especially for industries that prioritize safety and compliance. By choosing hair follicle testing, companies can ensure a drug-free workplace with a broader perspective on substance use patterns.
Hair follicle testing in Pulaski, TN, offers a tamper-resistant method that significantly minimizes sample adulteration risks. Compared to other methods, this reliable test delivers indisputable results that stakeholders can trust.
With the reduction in tampering possibilities, hair tests bring a higher level of security and accuracy. This makes them the preferred choice for entities requiring unalterable and credible data to maintain standards and compliances.
Accessibility is seamless for hair follicle testing with our nationwide and local centers in Pulaski, TN. These convenient locations ensure quick and hassle-free testing experiences, accommodating busy schedules with ease.
With a network of accessible centers, individuals and employers can rely on speedy and effortless testing processes that integrate smoothly into daily routines, enhancing overall satisfaction and efficiency.
In Pulaski, TN, the simplicity and confidentiality of hair follicle testing provide peace of mind. The straightforward process from ordering to receiving results ensures privacy, aligning with professional standards.
Maintaining confidentiality is pivotal, and our user-friendly processes make accessing these vital services both secure and effortless, addressing privacy concerns comprehensively while delivering quality outcomes.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times define our services in Pulaski, TN. Hair follicle testing is accessible at reasonable costs, paired with fast results, offering great value to businesses of all sizes.
The affordability ensures that even small companies can benefit from high-quality testing, avoiding financial strain while upholding workplace safety standards. This balance between cost and efficiency strengthens employer partnerships.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Pulaski, TN make them stand out. Offering accurate results, they detect substance use with high reliability. This level of accuracy ensures that employers receive the most dependable data, vital for maintaining workplace standards.
In Pulaski, TN, hair follicle tests deliver fast results, meaning less waiting time to get the critical insights needed. The rapid turnaround is a key advantage in making timely decisions regarding employment and compliance with drug policies.
In Pulaski, TN, accredited hair follicle tests help employers comply with drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. This comprehensive testing assures stakeholders of adherence to guidelines, minimizing potential liabilities.
Ensuring peace of mind for employers, this testing method reinforces a commitment to a safe and compliant environment, crucial for business integrity and operational security.
