Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a crucial method for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands capture a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch section with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or comprehensive tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It's advisable to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample in a lab's system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary, rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally applicable. Samples with a presumptively positive result in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a washing process before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test pertains to analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Beats Urine: Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests in Avery Creek, NC offer superior detection and reliability. The extended detection period of up to 90 days surpasses that of urine, ensuring better accuracy in assessing substance use.
Extended Detection in Avery Creek: Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. In NC, this method provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, essential for informed decisions.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant: At Avery Creek, NC, hair follicle testing significantly reduces the potential for sample tampering. The observed collection method ensures accurate, trustworthy results that are difficult to manipulate, providing peace of mind.
Convenience Across the Nation: Our nationwide testing sites, including those in Avery Creek, NC, ensure easy access. We provide a hassle-free experience for testing services, ensuring quick and convenient testing access.
Simple and Confidential: Our process in Avery Creek, NC ensures a straightforward and confidential experience for hair follicle testing. With an emphasis on privacy, ordering and receiving results is stress-free and secure.
Affordable Excellence: In Avery Creek, NC, our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This ensures exceptional value and peace of mind for businesses, regardless of size.
Swiftness and Accuracy: In Avery Creek, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their quick and precise results. With their ability to accurately identify substance use, they are preferred for their high reliability. The test's efficiency coupled with the swift reporting time ensures confidence in the findings.
Employer Peace of Mind: Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free policies in Avery Creek, NC. It reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, providing employers with peace of mind and reliable compliance.
