Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures long-term evidence of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Sampling close to the scalp can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch cut of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield the optimal 100mg sample for testing and validation. For tests like EtG, supplementary analyses, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the amount using a jeweler’s balance. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The examination of a drug test sample in the lab encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of the sample into the lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not available from an electronic custody chain.
Screening offers a swift preliminary check for drug residues. Though it's a cost-efficient tactic for eliminating drug presence in the bulk of samples, a positive screening result must be verified for legal acceptability. Any specimens identified as positive during screening require additional confirmation.
Should the initial Screening imply a positive result, extra hair is extracted from the main sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or saliva), which is why hair testing is particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive screened outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Beats Urine Hair follicle tests in Charlotte, NC surpass urine tests in accuracy and detection reliability.
Offering a longer detection window and lower susceptibility to cheating, hair tests are the go-to choice for comprehensive drug screening needs. This gives employers a more reliable picture of an applicant's drug history compared to traditional methods.
Extended Drug Detection The hair follicle test in Charlotte, NC is renowned for its ability to detect drug usage over prolonged periods.
With a detection timeline that can reach up to 90 days, it offers employers a thorough perspective of a candidate’s drug history, unlike conventional tests, ensuring informed hiring decisions.
Secure Screening Process Charlotte, NC's hair follicle testing is virtually tamper-proof.
Due to its unique characteristics, sample adulteration poses minimal threat, thereby assuring reliable outcomes. This method guarantees results that stand up to scrutiny, enhancing drug testing integrity for organizations.
Accessible Testing Locations Charlotte, NC benefits from our broad network of testing facilities, ensuring ease of access.
With numerous nationwide and local centers, individuals can quickly partake in testing services, eliminating barriers and facilitating a smooth testing experience regardless of location.
Confidential Process Our drug testing in Charlotte, NC ensures a straightforward and confidential procedure.
From initiation to completion, the process is designed to maintain privacy while being user-friendly, allowing participants to manage their testing needs without worry.
Value and Quick Results Charlotte, NC offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with rapid turnaround.
Employers of all sizes can benefit from cost-effective rates and swift results, ensuring excellent value and timely decisions for workforce management.
Fast and Trustworthy Hair follicle testing in Charlotte, NC offers prompt and trustworthy results.
By accurately detecting substance usage, these tests provide results that are both quick and precise, ensuring that individuals and employers gain the clarity they need. With higher accuracy compared to other methods, these tests are effective tools in substance detection.
Employer Assurance Implementing hair follicle screening in Charlotte, NC ensures compliance with workplace drug policies.
This reduces potential legal issues and enhances workplace safety, providing employers peace of mind and fostering a drug-free work environment, crucial for organizational success.