Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. The growth of hair strands captures biomarkers, giving a comprehensive history of substance use over time. Sampling hair close to the scalp allows for a detection timeframe of up to three months for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
An ideal specimen is a 1.5-inch sample containing approximately 200 strands (about the size of a #2 pencil), weighing around 100mg, which is optimal for both initial screening and confirmation stages. For EtG tests, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a sample weight of 150mg is advisable. Measuring the sample's weight accurately can be achieved using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically imply scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
In drug testing, the processing steps consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial stage of integrating a sample into a lab's process. This step ensures sample integrity during transit, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any essential data entry that isn't part of an electronic custody system.
Screening serves as the preliminary evaluation for illegal substances. Although Screening is budget-friendly for determining drug presence in many samples, positive results must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require further confirmation.
Samples testing positive in Screening proceed to the Extraction phase, where drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair analysis remarkably challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening results employs technologies such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are prewashed if needed before Confirmation. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strands rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Boonville, NC: Hair testing outshines urine testing by offering superior accuracy. It provides a broader detection window and is more challenging to undermine, ensuring reliable results for employers and individuals alike when compared to traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window in Boonville, NC: Hair follicle testing is unmatched in its ability to reveal substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a more extensive insight into a candidate's or employee's past substance use, ensuring thorough background checks and informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Boonville, NC: With hair follicle tests, the risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced. These tests offer secure and accurate results, eliminating doubt and enhancing trust in the reliability of the testing process and its outcomes, making it a preferred choice.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Boonville, NC: Our widespread testing centers offer simplicity and swift access to services, ensuring that every testing requirement is met without hassle, both locally in Boonville and across the nation, for all who need them.
Simple, Confidential Process in Boonville, NC: We ensure a straightforward, private procedure from ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results. This maintains privacy and ensures ease of use, addressing any concerns people might have about the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Boonville, NC: Our competitive pricing coupled with rapid turnaround times offers excellent value. Companies of all sizes can count on cost-effective testing options without compromising on quick, reliable service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Boonville, NC: Hair follicle tests offer prompt and precise results. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use makes them superior. This test ensures that results are reliable and consistent, minimizing errors and delivering trustworthy outcomes for necessary evaluations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Boonville, NC: Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal risks and enhances safety, providing employers peace of mind and assurance of compliance with regulatory requirements.
