Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged snapshot of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair samples can reveal usage patterns of alcohol and other substances for close to a 90-day period. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send for testing.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands of hair (equivalent to a #2 pencil), is taken from as close to the scalp as possible. This provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If head hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process is composed of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a laboratory system initially. This process includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any unentered data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs. Although it provides a cost-effective approach to rule out drug usage for most samples, a screen returning a positive result must be verified in order to be admissible in legal contexts. Samples identified as presumptively positive in the Screening stage require confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at a concentration lower than that found in other methods, like urine or oral fluid testing, thus making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
The Confirmation of a positive screening result is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are rinsed as necessary. The entire processing sequence, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Caswell Beach, NC, provides substantial advantages over traditional urine tests. Superior detection capabilities make it the preferred choice. Hair tests can effectively identify drug use over an extended period compared to urine tests, which have a limited window.
The improved accuracy and reliability of hair follicle tests in detecting substance abuse make them a better alternative. This ensures trustworthy results for employers and agencies in Caswell Beach, NC.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Caswell Beach, NC, offers insights into an individual’s drug use history for up to 90 days. Comprehensive substance history allows employers to make informed decisions regarding applicants or employees.
Employers in Caswell Beach, NC, benefit from the prolonged detection period of hair testing, providing a thorough view of past behavior. It allows for assessing consistency in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Caswell Beach, NC, drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Reliable results ensure the integrity of drug testing processes, and confidence in outcomes.
In Caswell Beach, NC, hair follicle testing is a robust method, minimizing opportunities for manipulation. This reliability guarantees trustworthy outcomes, secured from tampering and ensuring test result validity.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Caswell Beach, NC, our services offer easy, hassle-free access to drug testing. Ensuring quick and seamless service enhances the testing experience.
Our local presence in Caswell Beach, NC, provides residents and businesses swift access to hair follicle testing, maintaining efficiency and convenience. Nationwide locations support a responsive drug testing network.
The process for hair follicle testing in Caswell Beach, NC, is simple and confidential. Ease of use alongside privacy concerns are thoroughly addressed, ensuring a stress-free testing experience.
In Caswell Beach, NC, our straightforward and private procedures foster a comfortable environment when ordering, taking, and receiving results. Clients can expect confidentiality and simplicity throughout the process.
Our hair follicle testing in Caswell Beach, NC, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This provides excellent value and peace of mind to businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Competitive rates and swift processing in Caswell Beach, NC, ensure our clients receive top-notch service without compromising on quality. This unique balance of cost and efficiency benefits organizations significantly.
In Caswell Beach, NC, the reliability of hair follicle drug tests ensures accurate results. Their advanced technology swiftly confirms substance use with high precision. Fast and accurate outcomes make hair testing the preferred choice for dependable drug detection.
The remarkable accuracy of hair follicle testing minimizes false results, reassuring clients of consistent findings. This reliability makes it a favored method for detecting substance use in Caswell Beach, NC.
Hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind for employers in Caswell Beach, NC. It ensures adherence to drug-free policies, while simultaneously reducing legal risks and fostering workplace safety.
Employers in Caswell Beach, NC, can have confidence in hair follicle testing for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. This method fortifies their commitment to a drug-free policy, instilling confidence in their protocols.
