Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now widely recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can illustrate up to roughly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands of hair (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When talking about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The four core steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This comprises ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial quick assessment for potential drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive result needs validation to be admissible in legal settings. Samples that test positive presumptively in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive presumptively during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. During this phase, substances are removed from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which is why screening of hair for drugs is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Strengths of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests in Beech Mountain, NC. Its superior detection accuracy and extended reliability make it the preferred choice.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing boasts a longer detection period, providing a broader overview of drug use and significantly reducing chances of result manipulation.
Hair follicle testing in Beech Mountain, NC, offers an extended detection window, identifying drug use over a vast timeline of up to 90 days.
This broader time frame allows employers to assess an individual's historical substance use comprehensively, aiding informed decision-making processes.
In Beech Mountain, NC, hair follicle tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration.
The robust method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, protecting the integrity of the testing process.
Convenience is key in Beech Mountain, NC, with our nationwide testing centers offering quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services.
Easily accessible local facilities ensure timely and efficient testing, catering to diverse needs with ease and comfort.
Our simple and confidential process in Beech Mountain, NC, makes ordering, testing, and receiving results straightforward and privacy-focused.
Clients can rest assured knowing their information is handled with utmost confidentiality, ensuring a smooth, undisruptive experience from start to finish.
In Beech Mountain, NC, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times on our hair follicle drug testing services.
Delivering value without compromising on speed or accuracy, our competitive pricing structures benefit companies of all sizes, providing peace of mind and reliable results efficiently.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Beech Mountain, NC, are unparalleled. With their remarkable accuracy, these tests can reliably detect substance use.
Offering fast and accurate results, hair follicle tests provide detailed insights, ensuring timely reporting essential in making informed decisions.
Employers in Beech Mountain, NC, gain peace of mind knowing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
This method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, fostering a secure environment for all.
