Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair accumulate biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, providing a lengthy history of substance use. Samples taken from near the scalp can offer up to a three-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to adulteration, and convenient for shipping.
A sample around 1.5 inches long, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp, will yield roughly 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10-panel, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair implies all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid check for drug presence. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in the bulk of samples, any positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in judicial proceedings. Samples that return presumptively positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than those encountered in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation, if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Turtletown, TN, hair follicle tests significantly outperform traditional urine tests. Their superior accuracy and reliability make them a preferred choice for those seeking precise drug detection methodologies.
Compared to regular urine screening, hair testing showcases an unsurpassed ability to identify substance use, thanks to its extended detection period and near-immunity to adulteration!
Hair follicle testing in Turtletown, TN, offers an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking a comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history.
While urine tests provide a snapshot of recent usage, hair tests deliver a broader perspective, helping employers make informed decisions by evaluating long-term substance use patterns.
In Turtletown, TN, hair follicle testing is renowned for its resistance to tampering, offering reliable results every time. The integrity of these tests ensures that samples remain untainted and trustworthy.
With their design reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration, hair tests provide accurate data that is difficult to dispute, making them a staple in robust drug screening protocols.
In Turtletown, TN, enjoy the convenience of widespread testing locations nationwide. Our centers provide easy and efficient access to drug testing services, eliminating the stress of finding a facility.
With our extensive network, testing is readily accessible, ensuring businesses and individuals can easily meet their testing needs without hassle.
In Turtletown, TN, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring user-friendly service. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with ease in mind.
Our commitment is to deliver a seamless experience, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that your drug testing process is efficient and private.
In Turtletown, TN, our hair follicle testing stands out with competitive pricing and swift results. Offering superior value, businesses of all sizes can benefit from our affordable solutions.
With quick turnaround times and cost-effective pricing, we provide peace of mind and ensure drug testing is accessible without significant financial burden.
In Turtletown, TN, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and precise outcomes, renowned for their impeccable accuracy in identifying drug use. Employers rely on these tests for their swift execution and reliable results.
The proficiency of hair tests lies in their ability to detect substances with high accuracy, minimizing the chances of errors. This reliability makes them a preferred choice for many organizations aiming for accurate assessments.
Employers in Turtletown, TN, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. These tests adhere to drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal implications and fostering a safer work environment.
By employing hair testing, companies assure stakeholders of their commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, which enhances trust and compliance with regulations.