Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tazewell, TN

What it is, How it works

The examination of hair has emerged as an effective means for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a long-term record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When the hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal substance use for up to roughly a three-month duration. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.

A sample length of 1.5 inches, comprised of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, and beyond 10 drug panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, the equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair covers all other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in processing a drug test in a laboratory are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This stage involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that screen positive require secondary confirmation.

For samples showing positive indications in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the collected sample for the Extraction process. During this phase, drug components are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening exceptionally challenging.

Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as potentially positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. Every step of the laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is verified in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenge to deceive: It is exceedingly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing outcome reliability.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals patterns of drug use over time, not limited to just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Non-detection of recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Conducting hair drug tests generally incurs a higher cost than other testing methods.
• Potential result variations: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle with urine testing in Tazewell, TN, hair testing stands out. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, providing a more conclusive picture of drug use history.

The reliability of hair testing is unmatched, making it a favored choice for organizations and authorities looking for comprehensive drug screening solutions over conventional methods.

Extended Detection Window

In Tazewell, TN, hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing the limits of standard urine tests, which are often much shorter.

This extended time frame grants employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use, covering a period that urine tests could miss, making it an essential tool for comprehensive evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Tazewell, TN, significantly reduce the risks associated with sample manipulation, ensuring results are reliable and indisputable.

Because the samples are harder to alter or substitute, hair testing provides a level of security and trust that traditional methods like urine testing struggle to achieve, particularly when the integrity of the test result is crucial.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers nationwide, including Tazewell, TN, accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free.

Quick and easy access to testing services is assured, enabling individuals and companies to engage with testing facilities without delays, ensuring seamless service delivery and convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Tazewell, TN, is both simple and confidential, alleviating concerns about privacy while ensuring ease of use.

From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to protect user data and provide a straightforward experience, offering reassurance regarding both confidentiality and simplicity of the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair follicle testing in Tazewell, TN, boasts competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, providing excellent value for employers of all sizes.

This cost-effective approach, coupled with rapid result delivery, offers a balanced solution that satisfies both budgetary constraints and the need for quick, reliable drug screening.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug tests in Tazewell, TN, are lauded for their precision and speed. Known for their high accuracy, these tests swiftly detect substance usage, providing reliable results.

Thanks to state-of-the-art methods, the time taken to analyze samples is considerably reduced, ensuring fast yet accurate results, making it the preferred method for many employers and legal systems.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Tazewell, TN, appreciate the reliability of hair follicle testing to help maintain a drug-free workplace, ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks.

This method enhances workplace safety by minimizing the potential for substance abuse, giving employers peace of mind and mitigating the chance of issues arising from non-compliance.

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