Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a historical record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resilient to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), gathered near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary components, and/or for tests that exceed 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be substituted. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in the laboratory encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step wherein a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment were intact, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry absent an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach for excluding drug use in the bulk of samples, positive findings necessitate confirmation to be legally admitted. Any samples tentatively positive require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a tentative positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drug components are drawn from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to alternate methods (such as urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as the most challenging approach.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all tentatively positive samples undergo necessary washing. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often used actually refers to the analysis of hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Arapahoe, NC, hair follicle testing stands out compared to traditional urine testing methodologies. The benefits of hair testing, such as longer detection windows and more consistent reliability, make it a better choice for substance use analysis.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive history of an individual's drug use, improving overall detection accuracy and offering a truer reflection of substance intake behavior.
In Arapahoe, NC, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage. This testing method can identify drug use over a longer period, stretching up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed view of an individual's past substance use.
The hair follicle test's extended reach is particularly beneficial for monitoring long-term substance habits, providing critical insights for both employers and professionals.
The integrity of hair follicle drug tests in Arapahoe, NC, is unmatched due to their tamper-resistant nature. These tests are less prone to adulteration, thereby ensuring trustworthy and indisputable outcomes.
The difficulty of evading detection with hair follicle tests significantly improves their reliability, reducing the risks associated with sample tampering and ensuring reputable results.
In Arapahoe, NC, the convenience of widespread testing facilities enhances accessibility for hair follicle drug testing. Our expansive network nationwide offers a quick, straightforward path to obtaining testing services.
Whether you're in Arapahoe or elsewhere, our testing centers ensure that accessing these vital services is a hassle-free process, underlining our commitment to exceptional service.
The process of hair follicle testing in Arapahoe, NC, is straightforward and confidential, ensuring that privacy and ease are prioritized from beginning to end.
From ordering a test to receiving results, the procedure is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind, addressing any concerns regarding privacy or the complexity of testing.
Hair follicle drug testing is both affordably priced and quick in Arapahoe, NC. Our competitive pricing structure and rapid turnaround times offer great value without compromising on quality.
Providing businesses of all sizes with budget-friendly options, our testing services underscore our dedication to delivering peace of mind and excellent value for our clients.
Hair follicle drug testing in Arapahoe, NC, offers fast, precise, and reliable outcomes. Known for its high accuracy, this method adeptly identifies substance use, leaving no doubt about the results.
The rapid turnaround of hair follicle test results is an invaluable asset for employers. Swift processing ensures that decisions can be made promptly, without sacrificing accuracy.
Employers in Arapahoe, NC, can experience greater peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Compliance with drug-free workplace policies is more straightforward, reducing legal liabilities.
By opting for hair follicle testing, businesses bolster workplace safety and compliance, mitigating risks and contributing to a more secure working environment.
