Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronic history of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When retrieved close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100 mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150 mg is advised. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening presents a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage for the majority of samples; however, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples that are initially positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a potential positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive outcomes happens through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Columbus, NC, the former presents distinct benefits. Hair tests are recognized for their superior detection accuracy and reliability, offering a more precise method for identifying substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Columbus, NC, offers a broad detection window, capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This capability provides a detailed view of an individual's substance consumption patterns, which is invaluable for employers seeking comprehensive profiles.
In Columbus, NC, hair follicle testing stands out for its resistance to tampering. The testing process minimizes the chance of sample manipulation, ensuring that results are both reliable and credible.
Offering unparalleled convenience, our local and nationwide testing locations in Columbus, NC, provide easy and quick access to hair follicle testing services, streamlining the testing process for all clients.
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Columbus, NC, is straightforward and confidential. We address privacy concerns effectively, ensuring an easy and secure experience for all users.
In Columbus, NC, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced, with rapid turnaround times that offer excellent value to businesses of every size, enhancing their overall satisfaction.
The reliability and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Columbus, NC, provide superior precision in detecting substance use compared to other methods. This testing delivers high accuracy, ensuring that any substance usage is identified swiftly and consistently.
Employers in Columbus, NC, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method upholds workplace drug-free policies and reduces potential legal complications, contributing to a safer work environment.
