Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present a near 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. This method is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transportation.
A lock of hair measuring 1.5 inches (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) and consisting of roughly 200 strands, nearest to the scalp, results in 100mg—ideal for both testing and verification. For EtG analyses, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy in measurement is suggested. Should scalp hair not be viable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is suitable. It's important to specify that head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair; body hair pertains to all other hair categories (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four core steps in processing a drug test in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the sample’s entry into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for prohibited substances. While cost-efficient for ruling out drugs in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples presenting as positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
For samples indicated as positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction, where drugs are isolated at significantly reduced concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid). This complexity makes hair drug testing the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is executed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 certification standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Belwood, NC Hair testing offers significant advantages over urine testing, primarily due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests that detect drug use within a recent period, hair follicle tests reveal a longer history of substance use, providing a clearer picture of an individual’s habits. This makes them more suited for comprehensive screenings in sensitive environments.
Extended Detection Window in Belwood, NC The extensive detection window of hair follicle testing sets it apart. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it presents employers with a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use over time. This comprehensive insight is particularly beneficial for positions of trust and responsibility, where substance history is a crucial factor.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Belwood, NC Hair follicle tests are meticulously designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering. The difficulty in altering such samples ensures results are reliable and trustworthy. This integrity is vital for organizations aiming to uphold strict anti-drug policies, providing them with the assurance needed in crucial decision-making processes regarding employee conduct.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Belwood, NC Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including local facilities in Belwood, provides easy, quick access to hair follicle testing. This convenience simplifies the process for both employers and individuals, ensuring that testing is both accessible and hassle-free, no matter where you are, supporting swift decision-making.
Simple, Confidential Process in Belwood, NC The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle drug test is designed to be simple and confidential. Privacy is a top priority, ensuring that all personal data is secured. This straightforward approach helps alleviate concerns around privacy, ensuring that individuals and employers alike have a seamless experience with complete trust in confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Belwood, NC Our competitive pricing models coupled with rapid turnaround times provide excellent value for companies of any size. We strive to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising on speed or reliability, ensuring peace of mind for businesses seeking efficient and affordable drug testing services to support their operational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Belwood, NC Hair follicle drug tests provide fast and precise results, ensuring a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. This method stands out for its reliability, offering speedy processing times that make it a preferred choice for urgent testing needs. Employers benefit from this efficiency when it comes to hiring decisions and maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Belwood, NC Employing hair follicle testing can help employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety. This testing method provides peace of mind by offering legally defensible results, minimizing risks, and upholding company standards. Compliance ensures a safer, healthier work environment for all employees.
