Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the hair strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to an estimated 3-month history for alcohol and drug detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. It's advisable to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab procedures for a drug test result entail four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a laboratory system. This process checks that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary inspection for drugs of interest. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to discount drug usage for most samples, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive at Screening proceed to a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lesser concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Notice: Though sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bakersville, NC.
When comparing hair follicle and urine testing, the former provides enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing outshines with its ability to detect substances over a much more extended period, making it a preferred choice for those seeking precise and comprehensive reports on substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Bakersville, NC.
Hair follicle testing presents an extended detection window that can trace drug use for up to 90 days. This longer timeline equips employers in Bakersville, NC, with a more comprehensive overview, offering invaluable insights into employees' or applicants' past substance-related behaviors.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bakersville, NC.
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the potential for tampering, providing results you can trust. As samples are difficult to alter, this method ensures the integrity and reliability of the outcomes, thus maintaining an unquestionable standard which is vital in Bakersville, NC.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bakersville, NC.
Our extensive network of testing centers, both nationally and within Bakersville, NC, offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. This widespread availability allows for quick and hassle-free testing services, enabling individuals and businesses to undergo necessary tests without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bakersville, NC.
The simplicity and confidentiality of our process ensure privacy from ordering through to result reception. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, our system in Bakersville, NC, respects privacy and streamlines the testing journey for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bakersville, NC.
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide exceptional value for businesses of all sizes in Bakersville, NC. These elements reinforce our commitment to offering cost-effective solutions without compromising on the quality of testing services rendered.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bakersville, NC.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Bakersville, NC, are unparalleled. Not only are these tests capable of rapid results processing, but they also boast high accuracy rates that assure stakeholders of their reliability in detecting a wide range of substances promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bakersville, NC.
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers to adhere to drug-free workplace policies with greater assurance. For companies in Bakersville, NC, this compliance reduces legal risks and fosters a safe working environment, thereby enhancing overall peace of mind.
