Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is acknowledged as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, reasonably resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, optional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial procedure of integrating a sample into a lab's system. It encompasses validation that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and filling in any additional data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary fast appraisal for drugs. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach to negate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be corroborated for court admission. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require a further confirmation step.
For samples presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations far lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening areas takes place through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Catawba, NC
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests by providing an extended window of detection, which is crucial for employers seeking to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. Its superior accuracy in identifying long-term drug use makes it the preferred choice for many organizations, including those with zero-tolerance policies.
Comprehensive Drug Use Detection with Hair Follicle Testing in Catawba, NC
The primary advantage of hair follicle tests is their ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This offers employers a detailed view of an individual’s substance use history, aiding informed decisions for hiring or maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Secure and Reliable Hair Follicle Testing in Catawba, NC
Hair follicle testing is highly resistant to tampering, providing reliable results that can be trusted. This method minimizes the risk of adulteration that is often a concern with other types of drug tests, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide and in Catawba, NC
With testing centers located across the nation, including locally in Catawba, NC, accessing testing services is both quick and hassle-free. This network ensures prompt and efficient testing available to meet the needs of individuals and businesses alike.
Effortless and Confidential Testing Process in Catawba, NC
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and maintains the confidentiality of all parties involved. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure is designed to be simple, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use.
Cost-Effective Hair Follicle Testing Solutions in Catawba, NC
Our competitive pricing structure paired with fast turnaround times makes hair follicle testing an affordable choice for businesses of any size. This balance of cost and efficiency provides excellent value, ensuring employers receive quick results and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Drug Testing in Catawba, NC
Hair follicle testing stands out for delivering quick, precise, and dependable outcomes. This method ensures that substance use is detected with high accuracy, providing both employers and individuals with trustworthy and timely results, which is essential for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Assuring Compliance and Safety with Hair Follicle Testing in Catawba, NC
Hair follicle testing plays a vital role in helping employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks by ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhances workplace safety by accurately detecting substance use over time.
