Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the evolving hair strand. When collected close to the scalp, the hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch specimen of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair might be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the specimen was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is carried out on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bethel, NC
Hair testing outperforms urine tests by offering a reliable method for detecting drug use. Where urine tests fall short, hair tests hold an edge in accuracy and durability. This reliability proves vital for employers seeking trustful assessments.
Moreover, hair testing provides clearer insights into long-term drug use, revealing substance habits often missed by urine tests, thus presenting a compelling case for switching to hair analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Bethel, NC
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests that cover a brief period, hair testing can trace drug history up to 90 days. This long-term view is beneficial for gauging an individual's substance history accurately.
Employers gain clarity with hair tests, ensuring they make informed decisions about potential hires or current employees based on comprehensive substance use evidence.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bethel, NC
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage in their tamper-resistant nature. The structure of hair samples makes them less susceptible to contamination or adulteration compared to urine samples, ensuring dependable and unaltered results.
This feature ensures stakeholders in Bethel, NC, receive subjective proof of drug use, thus validating employment or legal decisions based on accurate substance analysis.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bethel, NC
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations, both nationally and in Bethel, NC. This network of centers ensures that clients can access testing services quickly and with minimal hassle, streamlining the drug testing process.
The widespread availability of centers means that testing is easily accessible, reducing waiting times and improving service efficiency for both individuals and organizations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bethel, NC
Our process for hair follicle testing in Bethel, NC, prides itself on simplicity and confidentiality. We ensure a straightforward procedure for ordering, administering, and obtaining results, all while maintaining the utmost privacy for individuals.
Such measures alleviate concerns about discretion, offering a seamless experience. This confidentiality encourages wider participation and trust in the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bethel, NC
At Accredited Drug Testing, we offer competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid result turnarounds. Businesses in Bethel, NC, benefit from exceptional value, allowing them to manage drug testing effectively without financial stress.
Our quick service delivery ensures that companies of all sizes can trust our testing methods to deliver timely, cost-effective solutions.
In Bethel, NC, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its speed and accuracy. Unlike other methods, it quickly detects substance use with incredible precision. Results are both reliable and timely, ensuring that stakeholders receive dependable data.
The strength of hair testing lies in its ability to accurately identify drug usage patterns. Its streamlined process guarantees rapid results, giving employers and individuals truthful insights into substance use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bethel, NC
Employers in Bethel, NC, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing as it aligns seamlessly with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks, ensuring adherence to regulations and enhancing the overall safety of the work environment.
By choosing hair testing, companies assure their commitment to maintaining a responsible and secure workplace, providing employers with the peace of mind of knowing they are compliant.
