Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. As hair grows, it captures biomarkers within its structure, offering a historical record of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal evidence of alcohol and drugs for a period of up to 3 months. The collection process is straightforward, the potential for tampering is minimized, and samples can be easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional panels, and tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, this strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The key phases in laboratory processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a lab's system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry that isn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Every presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation standards ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labelled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle at the scalp level.
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Cerro Gordo, NC? The benefits are clear: hair tests provide a more accurate and reliable detection window, making them superior to traditional urine tests. This advanced method ensures better detection accuracy, offering unmatched reliability in assessing an individual's substance use history.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a key benefit in Cerro Gordo, NC. This method can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days, giving employers invaluable insight into an applicant's or employee's substance history. Such an extensive window makes hair testing an essential tool in maintaining safety and compliance.
In Cerro Gordo, NC, the hair follicle test stands out as a highly tamper-resistant testing option. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, it assures reliable and indisputable results. This makes hair testing a trusted method for identifying substance use effectively and confidently.
With our nationwide testing centers, including in Cerro Gordo, NC, we offer convenient access to testing services. This ensures that those in need of drug testing can enjoy quick, easy, and hassle-free access, making it a practical choice for individuals and organizations alike.
Our testing process in Cerro Gordo, NC is both simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the entire process is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use, ensuring that participants feel comfortable and secure throughout their experience with our services.
In Cerro Gordo, NC, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for our hair follicle drug tests. This combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency provides excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for companies of all sizes who need reliable testing solutions.
In Cerro Gordo, NC, hair follicle drug tests are praised for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. Compared to more traditional methods, these tests are remarkably precise in detecting drug use. The swift turnaround time ensures that results are received promptly, making them a preferred choice for those seeking effective solutions to substance use detection.
Hair follicle tests offer employers in Cerro Gordo, NC, compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, this method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Employers can rely on hair testing to ensure their operations remain in compliance with established standards.
