Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair as a means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption has gained recognition as an effective method. Hair serves as a long-term record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over roughly a 90-day period. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) taken closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional checks, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be used, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial high-speed examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screen needs a confirmation to be valid legally. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening demand secondary verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this step, drug compounds are retrieved from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in South Carthage, TN, is clear when comparing the benefits. Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability, capturing a more comprehensive picture of an individual's drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which might only show recent use, hair tests reveal consumption up to 90 days prior, making them ideal for those needing consistent peace of mind regarding drug use and policy adherence.
Extended Detection Window in South Carthage, TN is a key advantage of hair follicle tests, as they provide a longer detection period, making it easier for employers to evaluate an applicant or employee's drug use history. This window extends up to 90 days compared to urine tests, offering a more holistic view. Employers can make informed decisions with confidence, knowing they have a thorough understanding of the individual’s substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in South Carthage, TN ensures the reliability of hair follicle assessments. With this method, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized. Hair tests are incredibly difficult to tamper with, which makes them a trustworthy choice for employers who prioritize integrity and accuracy in test results. This reliability helps maintain a safe and compliant workplace environment.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Locations in South Carthage, TN make access to hair follicle testing seamless. Our widespread testing centers offer easy and hassle-free services, ensuring you don't have to travel far for reliable results. Whether you're in South Carthage or any other city, our nationwide presence means you're covered wherever you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Carthage, TN makes hair follicle testing user-friendly and private. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results are straightforward, reducing any concerns about privacy. This streamlined procedure ensures that individuals and companies can complete the testing process efficiently, with decisive confidentiality at every stage.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Carthage, TN create exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Our pricing structures are competitive, delivering top value while ensuring rapid turnaround times. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency allows companies to implement reliable drug testing programs without straining budgets.
The swift and precise results of hair follicle tests in South Carthage, TN are unmatched. These tests offer employers and individuals a high level of accuracy when detecting substance use. The method is designed to pinpoint drug use, providing reliable outcomes that cut out the guesswork of identifying drug habits. Decisions based on these results tend to be informed and timely, helping maintain a productive atmosphere.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Carthage, TN are fostered through the use of hair follicle tests. They ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing potential legal and safety risks. These assessments provide assurance to employers who are keen on maintaining safe, productive environments, knowing they can rely on accurate assessments of employees' substance use histories.
