Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, difficult to alter, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for testing and confirming. For EtG, special requests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample within a laboratory’s system. This incorporates confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In case of a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method.
For any positive screening results, Confirmation is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are potentially positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Black Creek, NC, stands out for its superiority over traditional urine tests. While both methods aim to detect substance use, hair tests offer enhanced accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair tests expose habits spanning up to 90 days, offering a clearer picture.
In Black Creek, NC, hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window, unveiling drug use over a period that reaches up to 90 days. This wide window is indispensable for employers seeking a comprehensive snapshot of an applicant or current employee's drug history, facilitating informed hiring and retention decisions.
In Black Creek, NC, hair follicle tests are a robust solution against sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are markedly resistant to adulteration, guaranteeing results that are both reliable and above reproach. This tamper-resistant nature ensures authenticity in drug testing analyses.
Accessing drug testing services is convenient in Black Creek, NC, thanks to our nationwide network of centers. Offering quick and hassle-free testing, our locations ensure that every client receives timely and efficient service, enhancing the overall experience of obtaining necessary hair follicle tests.
In Black Creek, NC, our drug testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From order placement to results retrieval, every step ensures privacy and ease of use. This streamlined system alleviates concerns, making it straightforward for individuals to participate in the testing process.
Finding a cost-effective and swift testing solution in Black Creek, NC, is achievable with our hair follicle drug tests. We offer competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround, delivering exceptional value for organizations regardless of size, and ensuring businesses receive the peace of mind they need.
In Black Creek, NC, hair follicle drug tests are a hallmark of speed and precision. These tests not only provide quick results but also boast unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use. With hair testing, individuals and organizations can rely on definitive outcomes, ensuring that decisions are made based on reliable data.
Employers in Black Creek, NC, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method not only helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace standards but also minimizes legal risks. By adopting this testing, companies bolster their safety protocols and foster a more secure work environment.
