Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair, it offers an extensive record of alcohol and drug use. Hair samples taken close to the scalp can reveal a substance presence window of up to 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair denotes only scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for lab processing a drug test result comprises four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s system, ensuring that it was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient technique to identify drug use in most samples, any positive screens demand confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that display presumptive positivity in Screening do require further confirmation.
If a sample exhibits presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (i.e., urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening implementation.
Positive Screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this assessment inspects the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Westel, TN, hair testing emerges superior due to its extensive detection window and resistance to tampering.
Traditional urine tests might be common; however, they lack the long-term detection capabilities and reliability that hair tests provide, ensuring a more detailed evaluation of substance use.
Hair follicle drug testing in Westel, TN, empowers employers with an extended detection period, tracking substance use over up to 90 days.
This method offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, crucial for making informed hiring decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.
Hair tests minimize tampering risks, pushing the accuracy and reliability of drug testing further in Westel, TN.
By significantly reducing the chance of sample adulteration, hair follicle testing provides unquestionable evidence, supporting fair evaluations of substance use.
Convenience is key with nationwide testing centers available, including those in Westel, TN, offering easy access to hair testing.
These centers ensure a hassle-free testing experience, meeting the needs of individuals and employers swiftly and effectively, wherever they're located.
The hair follicle testing process in Westel, TN, is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy throughout.
From ordering to results, every step is designed for ease and confidentiality, addressing client concerns while maintaining discretion and simplicity.
In Westel, TN, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround, serving businesses of all sizes effectively.
This test assures excellent value, helping companies thrive by managing costs while obtaining reliable drug testing services swiftly.
Hair follicle testing delivers fast and precise results, making it ideal for timely substance use detection in Westel, TN. Known for its accuracy and reliability, this testing method ensures trustworthy outcomes, crucial for organizations.
This test is unparalleled in reliability, providing accurate drug use detection. Whether for employment or legal purposes, the results are delivered quickly, aiding swift decision-making processes.
Employers in Westel, TN, gain peace of mind with hair testing's ability to ensure compliance with strict drug-free policies.
Hair follicle tests are vital for reducing legal risks and ensuring safety, supporting employers in their commitment to a lawful, drug-free workplace environment.
