Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken close to the head, hair captures approximately up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Gathering hair samples is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the head yields 100mg, the preferred quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional panels, and tests over 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is preferred. It’s advisable to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. If head hair is not present, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. In context, head hair refers solely to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the lab involves four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system, which includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that is missing from an electronic custody record.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While this step is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive findings require Confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples indicating a positive result during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
When a screen test shows a positive, more hair is taken from the original sample for Preparation in Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated at significantly lesser concentrations in hair compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques.
For positive Screening outcomes, confirmation is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with positive indications are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The lab procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are evaluated both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Wins Out Over Urine Tests is evident in South Bradley, TN. Hair testing showcases superior detection for substances due to its extended detection period and higher accuracy, clearly surpassing traditional urine testing. With nearly impossible tampering attempts, it becomes the top choice for employers and courts aiming for reliable results.
Extended Detection Window is one of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in South Bradley, TN. This method boasts a broad detection span, often reaching up to 90 days, providing a thorough perspective on an individual's drug-related history. This comprehensive view assists employers in making more informed decisions and ensures workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method strengthens the assurance of hair follicle tests in South Bradley, TN. These tests markedly reduce sample adulteration risks, delivering results that can be trusted. Due to the collection nature of hair samples, these tests are regarded as nearly impossible to manipulate, offering a secure drug testing solution.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations make accessing hair follicle testing easy in South Bradley, TN. With numerous centers nationally, individuals can conveniently undergo necessary testing. Quick and hassle-free options are available, allowing employers and individuals to satisfy testing requirements without the burden of complex logistics.
Simple, Confidential Process defines the hair follicle testing experience in South Bradley, TN. The procedure for ordering, undertaking, and receiving the results remains uncomplicated and ensures privacy. This transparency in the process allows participants to engage in testing confidently, knowing their information remains protected throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are highlights of the hair follicle testing offerings in South Bradley, TN. Competitive pricing structures combined with rapid result delivery extend excellent value to companies of varying scales. This commitment to affordability and efficiency supports employers in maintaining drug-free workplaces without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are crucial for screening in South Bradley, TN. Hair follicle drug tests provide astounding precision in identifying substance use, offering results that are both quick and dependable. With the capability to accurately detect drugs, this method ensures confidence in test outcomes, serving its intended purpose with unmatched reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers becomes attainable with hair follicle testing in South Bradley, TN. Utilizing this method ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies, effectively lowering legal liabilities and fostering a safer employment environment. Employers benefit from the peace of mind knowing compliance is maintained without hassle.
