Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a substantial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When harvested close to the scalp, hair can present nearly a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment, roughly 200 strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encapsulates all other hair variations (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab's protocol. This involves validating that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid inspection for drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive screening warrants confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most intricate technique to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. In Rocky Fork, TN, this method is favored for its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can detect drug use over an extended period, providing a more accurate picture of an individual's historical substance use, minimizing false negatives, and offering better insights.
The extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing is a major advantage. In Rocky Fork, TN, it can track drug use over a long period, up to 90 days. This presents employers with a thorough view of an applicant or employee's drug use, contributing to more informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle tests are practically tamper-resistant, making them a reliable choice in Rocky Fork, TN. By minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, they deliver trustworthy results. This makes them a preferred testing method for employers and other entities who need to ensure their drug free policies are adhered to without question.
Our nationwide testing centers, including those in Rocky Fork, TN, highlight convenience. With easy and hassle-free access to testing services, individuals can quickly and easily schedule tests at local centers, facilitating a seamless experience without logistical hurdles.
In Rocky Fork, TN, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, each step ensures privacy. This ease of use and strict confidentiality address any privacy concerns individuals might have, reinforcing trust in the testing experience.
For businesses in Rocky Fork, TN, hair follicle testing provides affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This competitive pricing adds value for companies of all sizes without compromising accuracy or speed, making it an ideal solution for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
In Rocky Fork, TN, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their precision and speed. These tests boast high accuracy in detecting substance use with efficiency that ensures timely results. This method is unparalleled in delivering fast outcomes without compromising on detail, providing a comprehensive snapshot of an individual's substance use history.
Employers in Rocky Fork, TN find peace of mind ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method decreases legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Emphasizing rigorous detection, it aids companies in maintaining a clear and healthy work environment efficiently and reliably.
