Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an impactful method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair, it offers an extended timeline for alcohol and drug history. Hair collected near the scalp yields, generally, up to a quarter-year of detection for substances. It is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of nearly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample amount is advisable. We encourage utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. Should scalp hair be lacking, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core phases in lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing into a laboratory's system. This process verifies the proper sealing and dispatching of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While it provides a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome in Screening demands legitimization for court admissions. Samples presumed positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Should Screening suggest a positive, additional hair from the specimen is used for Extraction. At this stage, drug extraction occurs at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair analysis being the most complex method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing as necessary. The complete laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Bailey, NC, hair analysis takes the lead due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests offer a broad detection window, currently up to 90 days. Employers, courts, and professionals favor this method for its conclusive and tamper-proof nature. In contrast, urine tests are more prone to external manipulation, underlining the advancements hair testing has made.
Hair follicle testing in Bailey, NC offers an extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough overview of an employee's or applicant's historical substance usage. Unlike urine testing, which pinpoints recent usage, hair analysis unveils drug habits over time, presenting a clearer picture of behavioral patterns. This longer detection window is invaluable in maintaining honest and safe workplace environments.
When conducting hair follicle testing in Bailey, NC, the risk of tampering is significantly reduced. The methodology of hair analysis makes sample adulteration practically impossible, ensuring results are reliable and trustworthy. Unlike other test forms, hair tests safeguard against any attempts at deception, reinforcing their status as a robust and foolproof evaluation method, providing ultimate confidence in the results delivered.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts easily accessible testing locations nationwide, including in Bailey, NC. Our extensive network ensures that individuals and organizations can access testing services conveniently, without hassle. Whether local or nationwide, every center offers efficient service, emphasizing both speed and precision to meet the varied needs of our clients seamlessly.
In Bailey, NC, our hair follicle testing processes are designed to be straightforward and discreet. The procedure involves simple steps from ordering to receiving results, eliminating any privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. Confidential handling of all information guarantees client assurance, making the experience stress-free and unobtrusive from start to finish.
With competitive pricing structures, Accredited Drug Testing in Bailey, NC makes hair follicle testing accessible for businesses of all sizes. Combined with quick turnaround times, our services provide excellent value. Fast, cost-effective, and reliable solutions make us an ideal choice for companies seeking to maintain workplace safety without straining budgets.
In Bailey, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their accuracy and speed. These tests are designed to deliver precise results, ensuring that any substance use does not go undetected. Fast and reliable, hair testing sets a new standard in drug testing, minimizing any chance of inaccuracies. The method excels in delivering quick results, which are critical for decision-making by employers and individuals alike.
In Bailey, NC, hair follicle testing supports employers in adhering to workplace drug-free mandates, promoting safety and compliance. Hair testing minimizes legal risks by providing accurate and tamper-resistant results, ensuring companies can maintain peace of mind. With this method, employers can confidently enforce zero-tolerance policies, fostering a safer work environment for everyone.
