Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an archival record of alcohol and illicit substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising about 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplemental data entry omitted by an electronic custody chain.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be admissible legally. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive at the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves drug extraction from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often called "hair follicle tests," the test itself concentrates on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior to Urine Testing in Castalia, NC involves several factors. Hair follicle tests offer greater accuracy and a longer detection window, typically covering 90 days, thereby allowing for a comprehensive substance history review. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair tests offer insights into past behavior, aiding employers in maintaining substance-free environments.
Extended Detection Window: Hair testing provides a long detection window for up to 90 days. This extensive period allows employers in Castalia, NC, to gain a detailed understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug use history. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can uncover recurring use patterns, painting a broader portrait of an individual's behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Method: Hair follicle tests in Castalia, NC, are inherently resistant to tampering. Their collection process is observed, minimizing the likelihood of sample substitution or adulteration. This method ensures that employers receive trustworthy results, thus contributing to informed decision-making and integrity in substance use testing procedures.
Convenient Testing Locations: With a wide network of testing centers Nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services in Castalia, NC, is swift and effortless. Clients benefit from the ease of finding nearby locations ready to deliver quick and efficient testing services. This convenience translates to time saved and hassle-free appointment scheduling.
Simple, Confidential Process: The process for conducting hair follicle testing in Castalia, NC, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to collecting results, users are assured of their privacy. This straightforward approach ensures attendees that their information remains secure and easily accessible.
Affordable Pricing, Fast Turnaround: In Castalia, NC, the competitive pricing and swift turnaround time of hair follicle testing offer value to companies of various sizes. Businesses can rely on cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality of testing services. These advantages support rapid decision-making while keeping budgets intact.
The reliability and precision of hair follicle drug tests stand unmatched in Castalia, NC. These tests are renowned for their exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use. Their rapid processing ensures fast and dependable outcomes, providing users with peace of mind. For those who prioritize accuracy and speed, hair follicle testing delivers results that confirm its superior detection capability in real-time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind: Using hair follicle testing secures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Castalia, NC. This strategy effectively curtails legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, providing employers with reassurance. In maintaining a rigorous testing program, employers demonstrate their commitment to employee safety and regulatory adherence.
