Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an efficient means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collecting strands near the scalp allows hair to offer up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable body hair sample may be taken. Here, scalp hair refers specifically to head hair, while body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes initially entering a sample into a lab's system, confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening involves a preliminary, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening provides a cost-effective method for ruling out drugs in most samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation if it is to be legally valid. Any sample that tests positive in Screening requires subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, hair drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is considered the most complex method to conduct.
The confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptive positives undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests" frequently, these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
In Bethania, NC, hair follicle testing is proving to be a superior alternative to traditional urine testing. Unlike urine tests that only detect recent drug use, hair follicle tests offer an extensive detection window, thus providing enhanced accuracy and reliability. This method uncovers a comprehensive history of substance use, making it a preferred choice for those needing thorough and reliable test outcomes.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Bethania, NC, is a significant advantage. Capable of reviewing substance use over a 90-day period, employers gain a detailed perspective of an individual's drug history. This comprehensive view is essential for making informed decisions regarding employment, creating an in-depth analysis of drug habits over time.
One of the highlights of hair follicle testing in Bethania, NC, is its tamper-resistant nature. The risk of sample adulteration is drastically reduced, ensuring that the results are both reliable and beyond question. This integrity offers peace of mind to employers and ensures accurate testing, a crucial factor in maintaining rigorous substance control standards.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including Bethania, NC, we ensure convenience for all our clients. Accessible and hassle-free, our centers make it easy to undergo testing promptly. This extensive network guarantees that our services are within reach, regardless of your location, making drug testing a seamless experience.
Our simple and confidential testing process in Bethania, NC prioritizes ease of use and privacy. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, we strive to ensure confidentiality and straightforwardness throughout. This approach addresses privacy concerns and promotes a stress-free experience for all those involved in the testing process.
With competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, our services in Bethania, NC deliver excellent value. We cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring our hair follicle testing is both affordable and efficient. Such cost-effectiveness, paired with quick results, provides companies with the peace of mind they need when it comes to drug testing.
For fast, precise, and reliable results in Bethania, NC, hair follicle drug tests are a standout option. Known for their exceptional accuracy, these tests quickly detect substance use without the inaccuracies common in other methods. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the speed and reliability these tests provide, making them an ideal choice for those prioritizing accuracy.
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Bethania, NC. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, employers can focus on maintaining a productive environment. Implementing these tests offers peace of mind, knowing that they are adhering to necessary standards and regulations, greatly reducing potential legal complications.
