Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use of both drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a chronological record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers in the structure of the growing hair shaft. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal a usage history for up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to falsify, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for both initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, this pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory protocol for processing a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient means of excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with positive presumptive results in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive screening indication is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive presumptive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the testing evaluates the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in China Grove, NC
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy, providing insights over a longer period than traditional urine tests.
The reliability and elevated detection window of hair testing create a formidable alternative to urine testing, valuable for both employers and testing authorities alike in China Grove, NC.
Extended Detection Window in China Grove, NC
One of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection window, capable of revealing drug use history for up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview aids employers in understanding long-term patterns in substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in China Grove, NC
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage with their tamper-resistant nature, reducing risk of sample adulteration. This method offers trustworthy results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in China Grove, NC
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience through extensive nationwide centers, with local facilities in China Grove, NC for ease of access. This ensures prompt and seamless testing experiences anywhere in the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in China Grove, NC
Our streamlined and private procedure guarantees a straightforward experience when ordering, receiving, and conducting hair follicle tests. The integrity of each step prioritizes confidentiality and ease-of-use, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in China Grove, NC
Our pricing structure is designed to be competitive, offering timely results that provide both excellent value and peace of mind for businesses, irrespective of size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in China Grove, NC
Hair follicle testing offers both speed and precision, elevating the standard for drug detection. Its accuracy in identifying substance use stands unmatched.
Results arrive swiftly, enabling prompt decision-making for businesses. The accuracy rate ensures that the outcomes are both definite and actionable, establishing a reliable benchmark for substance use evaluation in China Grove, NC.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in China Grove, NC
Hair follicle testing assures workplace adherence to drug-free policies, easing compliance concerns for employers. This testing approach reduces legal risks while promoting a culture of safety.
Compliance isn’t just a requirement; it’s a peace-laden assurance for employers dedicated to upholding elevated safety standards for all employees.
