Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has garnered recognition as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately matching the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and corroboration. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory's drug testing process encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data input not covered by the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive indication warrants confirmation for admissibility in legal settings. Samples suspected as positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample indicates potential positivity in the Screening phase, further hair is drawn from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples assumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Slayden, TN for several reasons. It offers superior detection accuracy, capable of identifying drug use over longer periods. This makes hair tests more reliable, reducing the likelihood of false negatives. Employers and individuals seeking thorough analysis benefit from this enhanced reliability, setting hair testing apart from traditional methods.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended window of drug use detection for up to 90 days in Slayden, TN. This comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history is invaluable for employers wishing to ensure a drug-free workplace. The long detection period presents a clearer picture of regular use, rather than recent abstention, aiding in more informed decisions.
In Slayden, TN, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method, crucial for accurate results. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, hair tests present reliable outcomes. This method provides peace of mind as it ensures the integrity of the testing process, making it trusted by organizations requiring unequivocal verification.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts widespread testing locations nationwide along with local centers in Slayden, TN. Our extensive network ensures convenience for clients, offering quick and seamless testing experiences. With easy access to our services, individuals and businesses can efficiently meet their testing needs without hassle.
Our process in Slayden, TN is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step respects privacy and ease of use. This clarifies concerns over confidentiality, ensuring a stress-free experience that prioritizes the user’s privacy throughout the testing process.
In Slayden, TN, we offer competitive pricing and a fast turnaround for hair follicle testing. This makes our services not only economical but also efficient for companies of various sizes. By providing excellent value, we cater to businesses seeking both affordability and rapid results, enhancing their operational workflow.
In Slayden, TN, hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its remarkable precision and speed. This method not only finds substances with high accuracy but also does so swiftly, offering quick turnarounds. This reliability ensures that test administrators and recipients alike can trust the results, making it a preferred choice for accurate substance detection.
For employers in Slayden, TN, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free policies, keeping legal risks at bay. This method enhances workplace safety, allowing businesses to maintain a secure environment. Minimizing the chances of drug-related incidents provides employers with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they’re adhering to regulations.