Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of intoxicants by retaining biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for substances. It is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send for analysis.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hairs (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For additional EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. The term body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially entered into the lab system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any missing data not included in an electronic custody chain.
Screening refers to the preliminary assessment for substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-valid. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further substantiation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower levels than other techniques (like urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive Screening results are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In contrast to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Sneedville, TN, offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair testing provides a broader view of an individual's drug habits. This enhanced detection capability supports zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Employers benefit from the robust analysis of hair testing, gaining insights into substance use that urine tests might miss. The comprehensive detection period makes it an indispensable tool for ensuring workplace safety.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Sneedville, TN, is its extended detection window. Capable of spotting drug use up to 90 days prior, it presents a clear picture of an individual's substance history. This offers employers deeper insights into an applicant's or employee’s behavior.
The prolonged detection period surpasses other testing methods, making it ideal for thorough evaluations. Businesses can make confident hiring and retention decisions based on comprehensive data, enhancing workforce reliability.
Hair follicle tests in Sneedville, TN, significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, they provide a tamper-resistant solution, ensuring the results are reliable and unquestionable. Such integrity is crucial for maintaining trust in workplace testing programs.
This robustness in testing deters attempts at manipulation, upholding the validity of the drug testing process. Employers can feel assured that the outcomes reflect true substance usage, supporting accurate assessments.
Accommodating busy schedules, our testing centers in Sneedville, TN, offer convenient access. With numerous locations nationwide, obtaining a hair follicle drug test is quick and hassle-free. We prioritize ease for our clients, removing any barriers to accessing necessary testing services.
Our widespread presence ensures prompt service delivery, whether locally in Sneedville or at other centers across the nation. This extensive network means testing is always within reach, maintaining seamless service for all.
The hair follicle testing process in Sneedville, TN, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test, we ensure privacy and ease of use at every stage. This focus on confidentiality addresses privacy concerns, bolstering trust in the testing process.
Receiving results is straightforward and secure, maintaining the integrity of sensitive information. Clients appreciate the accessible yet discrete approach, facilitating a stress-free testing experience.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Sneedville, TN, make hair follicle testing an attractive option for companies. We ensure excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes with cost-effective solutions. This affordability does not compromise quality, providing swift results.
The combination of reasonable costs and prompt service delivery enhances peace of mind, ensuring businesses can rely on efficient and budget-friendly testing processes. Our commitment to value aligns with corporate needs.
In Sneedville, TN, the accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a valuable tool. Their precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, offering quick and reliable results. Employers can trust these tests to provide accurate insights into an individual's drug history, supporting informed decision-making.
With advanced technology, hair follicle tests deliver rapid, yet meticulous findings. This combination ensures businesses receive dependable data swiftly, aiding in maintaining a drug-free environment efficiently.
For employers in Sneedville, TN, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind. The adherence to regulations protects businesses from potential liabilities, fostering a secure work environment.
The assurance provided by hair testing supports smooth operations, knowing that safety measures are effectively in place. Employers can prioritize workplace safety with confidence, leading to better organizational outcomes.
