Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When trimmed near the scalp, it can reveal usage of substances over an approximate three-month span. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A collection of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advocated. Use a jeweler's scale for accurate specimen weighing. When scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be substituted. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab process of evaluating a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails entering a sample into the laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial, rapid assessment for drug presence. While cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positives at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this point, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis the most complex technique to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Calypso, NC
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests can identify recent drug use, hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This makes hair testing a reliable method for identifying chronic use and ensuring comprehensive evaluations.
Extended Detection Window in Calypso, NC
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over an extended period gives employers a detailed insight into an individual's substance history. With a detection window up to 90 days, hair testing surpasses traditional methods by reflecting long-term patterns of substance intake rather than only identifying recent use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Calypso, NC
One major benefit of hair follicle testing is its resilience against tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated, hair tests are less prone to adulteration. This assures organizations that the results obtained represent the true substance use history of the individual being tested, providing peace of mind with unquestionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Calypso, NC
Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessibility with our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Calypso, NC. This broad network provides clients with quick and convenient access to conduct the necessary hair follicle tests without facing long delays or complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in Calypso, NC
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects user confidentiality. From ordering the test to providing the sample and receiving results, every step is designed to be simple and private. Clients can rest assured that their personal information is handled discreetly and securely.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Calypso, NC
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and quick results, ensuring organizations of all sizes receive excellent value. Our efficient processes guarantee a rapid turnaround, allowing companies to make timely decisions without financial strain, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Calypso, NC
Hair follicle drug tests offer a rapid and precise mechanism for detecting substance use. The high accuracy rate reduces the risk of false positives and ensures dependable outcomes. This method's efficiency is beneficial in maintaining a drug-free environment promptly and effectively, thus providing reliable results employers can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Calypso, NC
Hair follicle testing aids employers in staying compliant with workplace drug-free policies. By implementing hair tests, companies can demonstrate their dedication to maintaining a safe work environment, reducing legal risks, and fostering peace of mind among staff and management about workplace safety.
