Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an impactful method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing within a lab system. It includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary check for drug abuse. While Screening is an affordable way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that test positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples testing positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation. Here, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening a challenging endeavor.
Any positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive initially are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually targets the hair strand above the scalp and not the follicle beneath.
In Brunswick, NC, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are commonplace, their detection window is limited. Hair follicle tests provide a longer detection period, capturing a broader picture of an individual's drug usage. Employers and institutions lean on hair tests for their superior capability to identify substance use accurately over urine testing methods.
Hair follicle drug testing offers an extended detection window in Brunswick, NC, capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This capability enables employers to get a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance use record. For those aiming for thorough and reliable evaluations, hair follicle testing provides an unparalleled advantage, offering insights unavailable from shorter-term testing methods.
Reducing the risk of sample adulteration, hair follicle testing in Brunswick, NC is a tamper-resistant option for drug testing. The collection process, conducted under supervision, ensures the integrity of samples, delivering results that are both reliable and irrefutable. This method provides peace of mind by minimizing instances of sample manipulation and delivering trustworthy outcomes.
With convenient nationwide centers and local locations in Brunswick, NC, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward. The vast network ensures prompt and hassle-free access, facilitating quick testing services. Our strategic locations mean you can count on prompt and efficient service no matter where you are, simplifying the process for all involved.
Conducting a hair follicle test in Brunswick, NC is both simple and confidential. The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease of use. Designed with user convenience in mind, the entire testing workflow is structured to address privacy concerns while providing a seamless experience.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Brunswick, NC, our hair follicle testing services deliver excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from affordable pricing structures coupled with the rapid delivery of results. This combination provides peace of mind and financial efficiency, making it a favored choice among employers.
The hair follicle drug test is celebrated for its high precision and speed in delivering results in Brunswick, NC. This method is renowned for detecting substance use with remarkable accuracy, leaving minimal room for error. In comparison to other testing methods, hair follicle tests stand out for their rapid turnaround and dependable results, ensuring that those who rely on them can trust the outcomes they provide.
Employers in Brunswick, NC find assurance in the compliance and enhanced workplace safety delivered by hair follicle testing. This method aids in maintaining drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks, and fostering a secure work environment. Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures peace of mind for employers, supporting them in their efforts to uphold a clean and compliant workplace.
