Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. By "head hair," we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial input of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves validating that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails conducting a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for the results to be court-admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a confirmatory test.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a concentration much lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmations for any positive screening results are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although they are frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing triumphs over urine tests in Rocky Top, TN due to its unmatched accuracy and reliability. It offers superior detection capabilities, providing a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history, setting a higher standard than traditional methods.
In Rocky Top, TN, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, tracing substances used up to 90 days prior. This lengthy detection period gives employers deeper insights into an individual's history of substance use, aiding informed decision-making.
Rocky Top, TN benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests, which significantly mark the decrease of adulteration risks. This provides a trustworthy method for obtaining accurate results, ensuring integrity throughout the testing process.
Rocky Top, TN enjoys convenient nationwide testing locations, ensuring quick, effortless access to testing services. Whether for individuals or companies, our widespread network guarantees a hassle-free testing experience, no matter where you are.
In Rocky Top, TN, the hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and accessing results are designed to respect privacy while ensuring an easy-to-use procedure for all clients.
Rocky Top, TN benefits from competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our services offer excellent value, ensuring companies of all sizes gain reliable results affordably and swiftly.
For fast, accurate, and reliable results in Rocky Top, TN, hair follicle tests stand unmatched. These tests boast exceptional precision and rapid processing times, detecting substance use efficiently. As a result, many trust them for their ability to quickly and accurately identify drug use.
In Rocky Top, TN, hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind for employers. Utilizing this testing method helps enforce drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safe working environment for all employees.