Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now viewed as an effective method to identify the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a long-standing record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands. With collection near the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, resistant to adulteration, and straightforward to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair are specific to scalp hair only, while body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing for a drug test comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This procedure includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to discount drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal validity. Samples with presumed positive results in Screening require further validation.
If a sample returns a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at a markedly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which illustrates the unique challenge of conducting hair drug screenings.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed for verifying any positive screening outcomes. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives are washed as necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly known as "hair follicle tests", it's the hair strand that's analyzed, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Atkinson, NC
When comparing hair drug tests to conventional urine tests, the former emerges as superior due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can reveal substance use over a more extended period, providing a comprehensive insight into an individual's history and serving as a more dependable indicator than the relatively short detection span of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Atkinson, NC
An outstanding feature of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify drug use over a prolonged period—up to 90 days. This extensive detection window provides employers in Atkinson, NC a thorough glimpse into an individual's past substance use, helping them make informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees' histories.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Atkinson, NC
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, offering reliable and unquestionable results. Its intrinsic design ensures that all tests conducted in Atkinson, NC are free from manipulation, providing confidence in the results obtained and upholding the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Atkinson, NC
Offering seamless access to hair follicle testing, our nationwide network of centers guarantees fast and straightforward services. Individuals in Atkinson, NC can easily find a testing location nearby, ensuring the process is as hassle-free as possible, reinforcing the accessibility of these crucial services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Atkinson, NC
The procedure to order, conduct, and receive results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. Addressing privacy concerns, our services in Atkinson, NC focus on client confidentiality while remaining user-friendly, making the entire experience both simple and secure for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Atkinson, NC
Our hair follicle testing services boast competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. Businesses in Atkinson, NC can benefit from our cost-effective solutions, which assure quick results, offering great value and reassurance, regardless of the company's size or industry.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Atkinson, NC
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapidly delivered results. Unlike traditional methods, these tests can swiftly detect substances with a high degree of accuracy, offering an edge in uncovering drug use. In Atkinson, NC, these testing options ensure that clients receive timely and dependable outcomes, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Atkinson, NC
Employers using hair follicle testing can ensure they meet drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while promoting safety. In Atkinson, NC, this reliable testing method fosters an environment of compliance and trust, providing peace of mind and helping maintain a professional, safety-focused work setting.
