Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively 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 the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Designating head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require supplementary confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, more hair is obtained from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Willette, TN: Hair tests offer superior advantages over urine analysis. They boast enhanced detection capabilities and robust reliability, highlighting their preference particularly in environments valuing safety and integrity.
Extended Detection Window in Willette, TN: Hair follicle testing's long detection period (up to 90 days) offers employers an extensive view of substance history, aiding informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Willette, TN: Hair testing is highly resistant to sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy and accurate outcomes, crucial for environments requiring dependability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Willette, TN: With extensive testing centers nationwide, accessing hair drug testing services is convenient, simple, and efficient, facilitating smooth processes for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Willette, TN: The procedure from ordering to receiving hair test results is straightforward and confidential, maintaining privacy and convenience for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Willette, TN: Competitive pricing along with swift result delivery makes hair follicle testing cost-effective and valuable for businesses aiming for efficient operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Willette, TN: Hair follicle drug testing delivers quick and precise outcomes, making it a preferred choice for detecting substance use. Its precision ensures highly accurate readings and swift results, supporting various needs across sectors.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Willette, TN: Hair tests ensure adherence to workplace drug policies, lessening legal liabilities and bolstering a safe, productive environment.
