Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers during growth. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a timeline of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs detection. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or screens beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. The specimen should ideally be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair could be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory’s handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab's system. This process verifies the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any missing data entry unsupplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is economically sensible for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
When a sample is presumed positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower density than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Positive screening confirmations are executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Prevails in Broadway, NC
Hair follicle testing in Broadway, NC, presents numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. The method's enhanced sensitivity allows for comprehensive insights into an individual's drug use history, surpassing the limited detection window of urine tests.
Extensive Detection Window in Broadway, NC
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Broadway, NC, is its ability to detect drug use across a much longer timeframe, up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, offering a reliable basis for assessing long-term patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Broadway, NC
Hair follicle tests performed in Broadway, NC, offer a robust solution to reduce sample tampering risk. These tests offer reliable and indisputable results, making them a trusted choice for scenarios necessitating verification of authenticity and integrity in drug testing.
Broadway's Convenient Testing Locations
With a network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Broadway, NC, our services are easily accessible. The broad availability ensures that anyone needing testing can find a center nearby, providing seamless and hassle-free service delivery.
Simple and Confidential Process in Broadway, NC
For residents of Broadway, NC, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and confidential. These measures address privacy concerns and ensure an effortless experience for all involved.
Budget-Friendly and Timely Solutions in Broadway, NC
In Broadway, NC, we offer competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. These affordably priced services ensure that businesses of any size receive excellent value without compromising on quick and precise results.
Fast and Accurate Results in Broadway, NC
In Broadway, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their impressive speed and precision in delivering results. These tests excel in detecting a wide range of substances with high accuracy, offering reliable outcomes that aid in informed decision-making for those seeking clarity on substance use.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind in Broadway, NC
By adopting hair follicle testing in Broadway, NC, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only diminishes legal liabilities but also fosters a safe and secure work environment, enhancing overall organizational well-being and peace of mind.