Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an essential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When acquired near the scalp, the hair can show evidence of alcohol and drug use for up to three months. This method is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
For optimal screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands near the scalp, equating to 100mg, is ideal. For tests such as EtG or those with more than 10 panels, it's best to use 150mg of the sample. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent portion of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, it specifically indicates scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for drug test results comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the procedure for initially integrating a sample into the lab's system. This phase verifies that the sample is sealed and shipped appropriately, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for potential drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to disprove drug usage in most cases, a positive result needs confirmation to be valid in court. Samples indicating a possible positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Positive screening results undergo confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as required. Each laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly evaluated under both the CAP's (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Asheville, NC, is advantageous due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. This advanced method provides extensive insights that urine tests cannot match, making hair tests the preferred option for a more accurate assessment of illicit substance use.
Through enhanced detection capabilities, hair testing outperforms urine tests by offering longer detection windows and diminished chances of tampering. This increased accuracy is pivotal for effective substance monitoring and compliance with regulations.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Asheville, NC, is its extended detection window. This method can identify drug use for up to 90 days, delivering a thorough review of an individual's substance history, beneficial for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free environment.
The prolonged detection period allows employers to gain a broader understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance consumption, enhancing informed decision-making processes. This makes hair follicle tests a crucial tool for comprehensive evaluations.
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resilience against sample tampering in Asheville, NC. This method significantly reduces the potential for adulteration, ensuring that results remain credible and indisputable.
The robustness of hair testing minimizes the risk of false outcomes due to tampering, offering a trusted and reliable measure of substance use. This ensures that all evaluations are based on genuine, unaltered samples, fortifying the testing process.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including in Asheville, NC, our services ensure that access to hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free. This network simplifies the testing process for both employers and individuals looking for efficient testing solutions.
Our widespread location availability means quick and easy testing access, lessening logistical challenges and providing certainty in acquiring reliable drug testing services, all throughout the Asheville region and beyond.
The process of hair follicle testing in Asheville, NC, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to obtaining results, each step is simplified to enhance user experience.
Emphasizing ease and privacy, our testing ensures that all interactions are simple and secure, relevant both for individuals and organizations. This confidentiality builds trust in the testing process, making it an accessible and comfortable choice.
In Asheville, NC, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, ensuring excellent value for businesses of any size. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with speedy results, contributes to peace of mind and operational efficiency.
Offering both affordability and quick processing, our services stand out as a cost-effective option, providing reliable test results without delay, tailored to meet the needs of varied organizations, maximizing their investment.
In Asheville, NC, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast and precise results, making them ideal for those seeking reliable drug testing methods. The accuracy provided by these tests makes them superior in identifying substance use, offering peace of mind to individuals and organizations alike.
Given their high accuracy and quick return times, hair tests are an excellent choice for detecting substance use, ensuring that results are trustworthy and swift. This combination of speed and precision is an invaluable asset in drug testing scenarios.
In Asheville, NC, utilizing hair follicle testing aids in adhering to workplace drug-free initiatives, promoting compliance and peace of mind for employers. These tests mitigate legal risks and reinforce a safe working environment by confirming employee adherence to substance policies.
Employers can rely on the authenticity of hair test results to maintain compliance with regulations, which helps in reducing liability and fostering a secure, productive workplace. This compliance provides assurance regarding employee integrity and company safety protocols.
