Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a significant asset in identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive history by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. Hair samples, if taken near the scalp, can reveal alcohol and drug usage over a span of up to roughly three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) taken from close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, further evaluations, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. This mention of head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair, among others.
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample within the laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid review for substance misuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug usage for most specimens, any positive findings need further confirmation to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation step.
For samples that indicate a potential positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to undergo the Extraction process. In Extraction, drugs are obtained from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods, like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair drug screening especially challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result identified during Screening employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tabernacle, TN
In comparing hair testing to traditional urine testing methods, it's evident that hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Tabernacle, TN
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection range, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tabernacle, TN
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the potential for sample tampering, offering credible results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tabernacle, TN
Our vast network of testing centers guarantees hassle-free and fast access to testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tabernacle, TN
Our straightforward, discreet procedures make ordering and receiving test results seamless.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tabernacle, TN
We offer competitive pricing and swift result delivery, providing significant value to businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tabernacle, TN
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tabernacle, TN
Employers opting for hair follicle tests ensure adherence to drug-free work environments.