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 biomarkers within the strands as it grows, offering a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol use. When gathered from the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. In the context of head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for drug test processing includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step checks the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not included in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid examination for substance abuse. Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, but a positive result must be confirmed for court acceptability. Any presumptive positive findings in Screening need a subsequent verification.
In cases of a presumptively positive outcome in Screening, additional hair is sourced from the primary sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging process to conduct.
Any confirmed positive Screening result undergoes verification through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. Comprehensive review of the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Cooleemee, NC offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. Its precise detection ability far exceeds that of urine tests, making it a more reliable choice.
Hair testing boasts unmatched detection accuracy, capturing substance traces over extended periods, unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent use.
One significant benefit of hair follicle testing in Cooleemee, NC, is its extended detection period of up to 90 days. Employers gain a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history.
This broader detection window is invaluable, providing a comprehensive view of substance use, compared to the much shorter scope of urine tests.
In Cooleemee, NC, hair follicle tests are renowned for being tamper-resistant. The testing process significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring trust in the results.
This rigorous method offers reliable and unquestionable data, essential for organizations seeking accurate substance testing outcomes.
Cooleemee, NC benefits from the convenience of nationwide testing locations. Our numerous centers provide easy, quick access to testing services, eliminating hassles.
Whether locally or across the nation, our facilities are readily available, simplifying the process for anyone needing testing services.
In Cooleemee, NC, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and highly confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, we prioritize user privacy and ease of use.
Our seamless and discrete approach ensures individuals undergo testing with confidence, knowing their privacy is respected throughout.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Cooleemee, NC is budget-friendly and efficient. Companies of all sizes benefit from our value.
The combination of affordable rates and quick results delivers peace of mind and excellent value, accommodating various business needs.
In Cooleemee, NC, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests make them stand out. These tests capture substance usage accurately, making them ideal for prompt and precise results.
The reliability of hair testing lies in its ability to detect drugs with high accuracy, ensuring fast and dependable results for all types of testing needs.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Cooleemee, NC assures compliance with workplace drug policies. It minimizes legal challenges and fosters a safe work environment.
This testing method provides employers peace of mind, knowing they are upholding strict drug-free policies effectively and safely.
