Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair fiber during its growth. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage over a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or testing more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab process of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and entering any supplementary data that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the initial evaluation for drug presence. It provides a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most cases, but a positive result at this stage needs further Confirmation to be legally acceptable. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques such as urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug testing one of the most challenging forms to execute.
To confirm a positive Screening result, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. All samples with preliminary positive results are cleansed before Confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the College of American Pathologists' (CAP) Hair designation and the standard of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sweetwater, TN, hair follicle testing demonstrates several key advantages over the traditional urine test. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests makes them a preferred option, as the detection window extends up to 90 days. Urine tests, though effective for recent usage, lack the longevity in detection that hair tests provide. This accuracy and extended detection period underscore the benefit of choosing hair follicle testing.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Sweetwater, TN, offers a view into up to 90 days of an individual's substance history. This method provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug usage, beyond what other tests can offer, helping them make informed decisions. Employers can thus gain valuable insights as hair testing reveals a broader historical perspective.
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method in Sweetwater, TN. This testing procedure significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, yielding results that are both reliable and unquestionable. By minimizing the opportunities for tampering, this method ensures accurate testing outcomes, instilling confidence in the testing process and adding an extra layer of security against manipulation.
Convenient nationwide testing locations are available, including local options in Sweetwater, TN. Our centers ensure quick and easy access to testing services across the country, offering a hassle-free experience for both individuals and employers. This accessibility represents a significant advantage, providing a seamless process for those needing reliable and readily available drug testing services.
Conducting hair follicle testing in Sweetwater, TN involves a simple and confidential process. From ordering the test to obtaining results, the entire procedure is designed to be straightforward and private. By addressing concerns related to privacy and ease of use, individuals and employers can navigate the testing process confidently and discreetly, ensuring a smooth experience throughout.
Our hair follicle testing in Sweetwater, TN is characterized by affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. We offer competitive pricing structures that provide excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes. The quick processing of results ensures organizations can make timely decisions, adding value and assurance to the testing experience.
Hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results in Sweetwater, TN. They are well-known for their precision and capability to quickly detect substance use. Their rapid ability to precisely identify substances ensures that organizations trust this testing method for screening purposes, making them a top choice for workplaces aiming for prompt and accurate substance detection.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Sweetwater, TN, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Employers can enhance workplace safety and reduce legal risks, knowing they are adhering to necessary protocols. This testing method provides peace of mind, ensuring companies maintain a safe working environment and robust policy enforcement when screening for substance use.
