Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers an extended overview of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands, roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil, will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional substances, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample amounting to 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for precise measurement is recommended. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. By "head hair," we specifically mean scalp hair; "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results typically involves four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the procedure of integrating a sample into a lab’s workflow. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the preliminary step for identifying drug usage, offering a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most samples. However, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used to verify any positive Screening results. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The complete testing process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle found beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rockvale, TN: Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests, offering a significant advantage for employers and professionals.
Hair tests outperform urine tests by detecting substance use over a prolonged period and being more challenging to falsify, thus providing greater assurance to employers.
Extended Detection Window in Rockvale, TN: Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to identify drug use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.
For employers in Rockvale, this prolonged detection window is invaluable in ensuring they have a thorough understanding of both applicants' and employees' histories.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rockvale, TN: Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration and ensuring the authenticity of the results.
This method thus provides a reliable and undeniable basis for informed decision-making for employers and other stakeholders in Rockvale.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rockvale, TN: Our accessible network of testing centers guarantees a swift and hassle-free testing experience for individuals and organizations.
Both local and nationwide options are readily available, ensuring easy access to top-notch testing services in Rockvale.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rockvale, TN: The process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results of hair follicle tests is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring user-friendliness.
Individuals can rest assured that their confidential information is handled with the utmost care throughout the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rockvale, TN: Our pricing strategy ensures cost-effectiveness, and our expedited turnaround times provide excellent value and reassurance for businesses of any scale.
With competitive rates and quick results, we offer an attractive solution for organizations prioritizing budget and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rockvale, TN: Hair follicle drug tests offer precise and prompt results for substance detection, making them an essential tool for organizations in need of quick and trustworthy outcomes.
Employers who prioritize speed and accuracy will appreciate hair follicle tests for their ability to detect substance use with high precision. The efficiency of this testing method cannot be overstated.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rockvale, TN: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, diminishing legal risks while boosting workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their testing process supports compliance and promotes a safe working environment.
