Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository of alcohol and drug history by ensnaring biomarkers within the strands of newly growing hair. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. By scalp hair, we mean hair on the head only. Body hair signifies all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary stages in the lab's processing of a drug test result includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial processing of a sample into the lab's database. This ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any other data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid test for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical approach to discard drug use in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation to be valid in judicial settings. Every sample that returns a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents the greatest methodological challenge.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny 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: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Biltmore Forest, NC
Hair follicle testing presents numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. With its longer detection window and higher reliability, hair testing ensures superior accuracy in identifying substance use. Especially in Biltmore Forest, NC, employers benefit from using hair over urine tests to uphold workplace standards.
Extended Detection Window in Biltmore Forest, NC
Hair follicle testing offers a significant edge by detecting drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. In Biltmore Forest, NC, this provides a thorough review of an individual's substance history, enabling employers to gain a complete picture of an employee or applicant's recent behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Biltmore Forest, NC
One of the great strengths of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Thanks to its collected, observed process, this method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestioned outcomes for those conducting assessments in Biltmore Forest, NC.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Biltmore Forest, NC
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access to testing centers nationwide, including local sites in Biltmore Forest, NC. This network ensures a swift and straightforward approach for individuals needing efficient testing services without unnecessary hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Biltmore Forest, NC
We maintain a straightforward and confidential procedure for hair follicle tests, from order to results delivery. Clients in Biltmore Forest, NC, appreciate the privacy and ease our service provides, addressing concerns regarding confidentiality and simplicity in their drug testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Biltmore Forest, NC
With competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Biltmore Forest, NC, offer outstanding value. By providing cost-effective solutions, we ensure that businesses of various sizes receive high-quality services without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Biltmore Forest, NC
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness. Drawing on advanced analysis methods, these tests deliver accurate insights into substance use. A crucial asset for employers in Biltmore Forest, NC, these tests pin down usage with high accuracy, facilitating informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Biltmore Forest, NC
Upholding workplace drug-free policies is crucial, and hair follicle testing helps achieve this. Employers in Biltmore Forest, NC, can rely on these tests for compliance assurance, minimizing legal risks, and enhancing the overall safety of their business environment.
