Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The practice of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair acts as a timeline for drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within its strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can disclose alcohol and drug usage for a period of up to around three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. Take into account weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar volume of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step incorporates checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial assessment for potential drug abuse. While it is a cost-effective technique for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive findings in Screening require verification to be considered valid in judicial settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening mandate an additional confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and conformity to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cricket, NC
Hair follicle testing in Cricket, NC offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the biggest benefits is its extensive detection window, which can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more accurate and reliable account of an individual's substance history. This superior method also reduces the risk of false negatives and sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy results that support safe workplace environments.
Extended Detection Window in Cricket, NC
In Cricket, NC, hair follicle testing is known for its prolonged detection period, effectively identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive window gives employers and individuals a detailed overview of substance history, making it easier to make informed decisions. By opting for hair testing, organizations can ensure a thorough assessment of an applicant or employee's drug use patterns over an extended timeframe.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cricket, NC
Hair follicle tests in Cricket, NC offer a robust solution against sample tampering, delivering reliable and indisputable results. This testing method is less susceptible to adulteration compared to other options, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the results. Organizations and individuals alike can trust in the accuracy and validity of hair tests, which minimizes the risk of manipulated outcomes and enhances testing credibility.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cricket, NC
With testing centers conveniently located nationwide, including Cricket, NC, individuals and employers can easily access hair follicle testing services. This widespread availability ensures fast, simple, and stress-free testing experiences. Whether located in urban areas or smaller communities, our testing locations provide seamless access to critical testing services, accommodating various needs quickly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cricket, NC
In Cricket, NC, hair follicle testing is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving test results is secure and straightforward, addressing privacy concerns efficiently. This ensures that individuals and organizations can confidently engage in testing without worry. Our user-friendly system prioritizes ease of use and discretion, meeting the needs of all involved with minimal hassle.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cricket, NC
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times establish hair follicle testing as a valuable resource in Cricket, NC. By offering high-quality testing services at accessible prices, companies of all sizes benefit from efficient substance monitoring without compromising on budget. Our fast processing ensures timely results, further enhancing value and confidence for employers as they strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cricket, NC
Hair follicle drug tests in Cricket, NC offer unmatched precision, accuracy, and speed in detecting substance use. These tests provide dependable results quickly, ensuring timely decision-making for both employers and individuals. The high level of accuracy achieved by hair testing makes it an invaluable tool for comprehensive substance detection, highlighting the advantages of this method over other testing techniques.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cricket, NC
Employers in Cricket, NC can benefit greatly from hair follicle testing, which helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace standards. By reducing potential legal liabilities and improving safety, this testing approach promotes peace of mind. Embracing hair testing ensures companies adhere to mandated policies, fostering a safer and more secure work environment while protecting both employees and the organization.
