Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is gaining recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, a hair sample can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Obtaining a sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil size) closest to the scalp will yield about 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests covering more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the starting phase where a sample is processed into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was transported and sealed correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial, rapid analysis for illicit substances. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation to be permissible in legal contexts. Samples that are initially positive need subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the oversight of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the method actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Shackle Island, TN triumphs over traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. A standout benefit of hair testing is its ability to uncover drug use with precision that urine tests often miss.
Urine tests might falter with recent use detection, but hair testing captures a broader scope of substance history, presenting a more comprehensive picture of an individual's habits.
The extended detection window is a notable advantage of hair follicle testing in Shackle Island, TN. Capable of detecting drug usage up to 90 days prior, it provides a thorough insight into someone's substance use over time.
For employers, this means gaining a full picture of a potential or current employee's drug history, aiding in informed decision-making.
In Shackle Island, TN, hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, significantly curbing the risk of adulteration. This ensures that results are not only accurate but also reliable and beyond question.
The robust nature of hair testing acts as a deterrent against attempts to alter or fake test outcomes, securing peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
With testing centers nationwide and local facilities in Shackle Island, TN, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is both simple and convenient. This widespread availability facilitates quick and hassle-free testing processes.
The strategic placement of these centers ensures that individuals and companies alike can readily meet their testing needs with minimal disruption.
The simplicity and confidentiality of the hair follicle testing process in Shackle Island, TN are key considerations. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease.
This streamlined approach ensures that those being tested are confident in the security and simplicity of the procedure.
With affordable pricing models and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Shackle Island, TN offers excellent value. Companies of any size can benefit from these cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on quality or reliability.
Not only is the testing competitively priced, but it also ensures swift results, providing peace of mind and efficiency.
In Shackle Island, TN, hair follicle drug tests stand out with their precise and swift results. These tests excel in detecting substance use, ensuring results that are both fast and accurate, leaving little room for error.
Thanks to advanced technology, hair testing provides not only speed but also unparalleled reliability, assuring those tested and employers alike of dependable outcomes.
Employers in Shackle Island, TN benefit from hair follicle testing by maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and boosting organizational safety.
Utilizing hair testing ensures adherence to strict regulations, offering peace of mind and a secure environment for employees and employers alike.
