Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective technique for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of substances by embedding signs of use into the strands as hair grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for substances. It's easy to gather, resist tampering, and simple to send for analysis.
A 1.5-inch lock consisting of around 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil's girth) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional examinations, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advised to weigh it using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is inaccessible, a similar amount of body hair can be used instead. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. It offers a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most samples, yet a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for court validity. Any presumptively positive samples during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive results at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing notably challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed for the Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes. All suspected positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually focuses on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Aquadale, NC. Hair testing stands out with superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. It offers a reliable method of tracking substance use over extended periods, making it invaluable for employers. Urine tests often miss long-term substance abuse patterns, whereas hair tests provide consistent, detailed results.
Extended Detection Window in Aquadale, NC. One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an impressive span of up to 90 days. This extensive detection period grants employers a clearer picture of an individual’s substance use history, ensuring decisions are based on comprehensive and thorough data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Aquadale, NC. Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests significantly reduce the potential for sample manipulation, ensuring that the results are authentic and trustworthy. This provides a reliable method of substance testing that maintains integrity throughout the process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Aquadale, NC. Our extensive network of testing centers spans nationwide, with local facilities in Aquadale offering hassle-free drug testing. This accessibility ensures quick and easy testing services, accommodating the needs of businesses and individuals alike by providing seamless service without delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Aquadale, NC. Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential from start to finish. Clients can order, participate in, and receive their test results without stress, ensuring that their privacy is respected and their experience is smooth, discreet, and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Aquadale, NC. We offer competitive pricing alongside swift turnaround times, making hair follicle testing an economically viable option for companies of every scale. This blend of affordability and efficiency ensures that clients receive excellent value without compromise on quality or service speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Aquadale, NC. When it comes to drug testing, speed and accuracy are paramount. Hair follicle drug tests in Aquadale offer lightning-fast processing and produce highly precise results. Their meticulous methodology ensures that every test is conducted with the utmost accuracy, highlighting any substance use with remarkable reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Aquadale, NC. Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal complications and promoting workplace safety. This testing ensures peace of mind by providing conclusive evidence of compliance, safeguarding against the repercussions of non-compliance.
