Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a comprehensive history of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage within a roughly 3-month timeframe. It is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the sample's initial integration into the laboratory system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substance misuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method for dismissing drug presence in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that appear positive in Screening require further validation.
If a sample yields a positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive results in Screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bogue, NC
Hair testing offers a decisive advantage over urine analysis with superior detection accuracy. Its reliability ensures that results are consistent and dependable. Hair tests can identify drug use patterns more effectively, providing peace of mind for both employers and individuals, proving to be a better choice.
Extended Detection Window in Bogue, NC
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This long-term perspective provides employers with a thorough understanding of an employee or candidate’s substance use history, offering a more complete picture than other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bogue, NC
By significantly reducing the risk of sample tampering, hair follicle tests provide results that are uncontested and credible. This ensures integrity and accuracy every time, making it a highly reliable method for drug testing needs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bogue, NC
The extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including Bogue, NC, provides unparalleled convenience. This accessibility ensures testing services are always within reach, making the process smooth and worry-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bogue, NC
Ordering, taking, and retrieving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. Concerns about confidentiality are justly addressed, fostering trust and ease for all involved in the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bogue, NC
Our competitive pricing and rapid processing times offer unparalleled value, ensuring businesses large and small receive cost-effective and prompt service without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bogue, NC
Hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision and speed, offering high accuracy in identifying substance use. They stand out by delivering quick results without compromising on reliability, ensuring every test is trustworthy and dependable for any purpose.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bogue, NC
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities and boosting workplace safety. Employers benefit from peace of mind, knowing their policies are upheld and risks are mitigated.
