Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, it can reflect up to a three-month timeline of alcohol and substance intake. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) clipped near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG testing, additional analysis, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
In the laboratory processing sequence of a drug test, four primary stages are involved: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary intake of the sample into the lab's system. This step checks the sample’s seal and shipping conditions, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes other required data entry that might be missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment to check for the presence of drugs. Although it’s a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples indicating a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should the sample show indications of a positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the collected specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to administer.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing step before confirmation as necessary. The entire workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the examination evaluates the hair strand itself, rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Archdale, NC, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over urine tests. A key benefit of hair testing is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Urine tests, while traditional, fail to match hair testing's ability to provide insights into longer-term substance use, ensuring informed decisions are made based on comprehensive data.
One of the defining features of hair follicle testing in Archdale, NC, is its extended detection window. This method captures drug use history up to 90 days prior, offering a thorough view of a person's substance habits. Employers gain a detailed understanding of potential hires or current employees, supporting informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Archdale, NC, is renowned for being a tamper-resistant testing method. The nature of the test drastically reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and unquestionable. This integrity in testing supports trust and accuracy.
Accredited Drug Testing offers immense convenience with local and nationwide testing locations in Archdale, NC. Our widespread centers guarantee easy, quick, and hassle-free access to necessary testing services, accommodating needs across the nation efficiently.
With Accredited Drug Testing in Archdale, NC, the process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy and ease of use, alleviating any concerns about handling sensitive information.
Our testing services in Archdale, NC, feature affordable pricing and fast turnaround. With competitive pricing structures and quick processing of results, we provide exceptional value and confidence to businesses of all scales, ensuring peace of mind.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Archdale, NC, make them stand out. These tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, making them essential for both employers and individuals seeking clarity in substance use detection. The high level of accuracy ensures that substances are detected efficiently, helping to maintain trust in testing processes.
Employers in Archdale, NC, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, the risk of legal issues diminishes, safety is bolstered, and the overall work environment improves for everyone involved.
