Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to 3 months for alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hairs (roughly matching a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp, results in a sample weight of 100mg, which is optimal for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional substances, and/or beyond 10-panel tests, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is advised for accurate specimen weight. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning integrates the sample into the lab's system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening serves as an initial, quick evaluation for substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient for largely excluding drug use across samples, a confirmed positive from Screening is necessary for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at concentrations much lower than what other methods (like urine or oral fluid tests) detect, thus making hair drug screening a particularly challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures confirm any positive screening outcomes. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the focus of the test is on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bladenboro, NC
Comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests highlights superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing in Bladenboro, NC, provides a more extensive window for identifying drug use, capturing data urine tests might miss. This gives employers a better assessment of an individual's drug history, offering confidence in the results.
Employers, judicial systems, and substance professionals prefer hair testing due to its unmatched detection capabilities. Its resistance to cheating and longer historical view gives it an edge over conventional urine tests, securing workplace and legal environments effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Bladenboro, NC
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Bladenboro, NC is its ability to detect drug use over an extensive time frame, reaching up to 90 days. This long detection window provides employers with a detailed insight into the substance usage patterns of an applicant or employee, ensuring a thorough substance history review.
Employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of an employee's drug history will find hair testing invaluable. This extended period effectively highlights long-term habits versus short-term slips, aiding in more accurate assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bladenboro, NC
The hair follicle testing method in Bladenboro, NC, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Its nature of sample collection and analysis renders it secure against adulteration attempts, providing reliable and unmistakable results.
This method of drug testing ensures integrity in every step, reducing the chances of result falsification. The observed collection process coupled with inherent resistance to tampering makes it a trusted choice for employers and legal entities alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bladenboro, NC
The accessibility of our nationwide testing centers, including those in Bladenboro, NC, ensures that testing services are quick and hassle-free. With numerous local facilities, individuals and employers find convenience in accessing these locations for timely hair follicle tests.
Streamlined access to our centers enhances the testing experience, eliminating unnecessary delay. Whether in Bladenboro or beyond, our widespread locations empower individuals to undergo testing when they need it most, with minimal disruption.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bladenboro, NC
Our straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Bladenboro, NC ensures ease from start to finish. From ordering and administering the test to receiving results, privacy and convenience are paramount, making the process smooth for all users.
Handling test details securely ensures that individuals feel their privacy is respected. This simplicity aids in reducing apprehension about the testing procedure, allowing for a seamless and worry-free experience for ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bladenboro, NC
Competitive pricing combined with quick turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Bladenboro, NC an excellent value proposition. Our cost-effective approach suits businesses of varying sizes, offering peace of mind without straining budgets.
Organizations benefit from our efficient processing times, ensuring that they receive timely results without compromising on quality. Affordability and speed make our testing services advantageous, enhancing operational efficiency and financial prudence.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bladenboro, NC
The hair follicle drug test offers rapid, precise results when evaluating substance use in Bladenboro, NC. Its enhanced accuracy stems from the comprehensive analysis it provides, ensuring that results are both trustworthy and timely, essential for making informed decisions.
Given the speed and reliability of hair tests, they have become a preferred choice for environments that necessitate quick turnarounds. This precision helps to maintain the integrity of testing results, making them invaluable for combing through drug histories.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bladenboro, NC
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing ensures strict adherence to workplace drug-free policies in Bladenboro, NC. This method mitigates legal risks by aligning with compliance requirements, ultimately creating a safer and more secure workplace environment.
Employers can rest assured knowing they are reducing potential liabilities associated with drug use. Hair testing not only helps maintain policy adherence but also contributes to the overall peace of mind regarding employee safety and compliance.
