Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can show drug and alcohol use within an approximately three-month timeframe. It’s easy to gather, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for testing and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a specimen into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample is properly sealed and delivered, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any manual data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use for most samples, though a positive result must be validated for it to be legally viable. Presumptive positives from Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample and is prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drug compounds are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging in terms of technique.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The entire testing process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on the hair strands themselves, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
In Crossnore, NC, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which have a short detection window, hair tests capture a longer history of substance use. With their reliable detection capabilities, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive evaluation, proving a more effective option for those seeking accuracy in drug testing.
In Crossnore, NC, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. This longer window provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's substance usage history, offering important insights into behavior patterns over time. By assessing drug use over a substantial period, businesses gain a more informed perspective on an applicant or employee.
Hair follicle tests in Crossnore, NC, are lauded for their tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are difficult to adulterate, ensuring the collected samples are reliable. This resistance to manipulation makes hair follicle testing a trustworthy method, providing employers and testers with unquestionable results and eliminating concerns about sample integrity.
Across Crossnore, NC, and nationwide, our testing centers offer convenience and accessibility. With numerous locations, individuals can find quick and hassle-free testing services near them. This accessibility ensures that workplace or personal drug testing is conducted efficiently, saving time and effort while guaranteeing reliable service wherever it is needed.
The drug testing process in Crossnore, NC, is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to preserve privacy and ease of use. Individuals benefit from a streamlined process that respects confidentiality, addressing the need for discreet and straightforward testing that delivers peace of mind alongside accurate results.
In Crossnore, NC, our drug testing services are designed to be affordable and timely. Competitive pricing ensures cost-efficiency, while quick turnaround times offer prompt results. For businesses of any size, this means excellent value and the assurance of rapid, dependable testing outcomes, making hair follicle tests both cost-effective and efficient.
Hair follicle drug tests in Crossnore, NC, stand out for their prompt and precise outcomes. Known for pinpoint accuracy, they efficiently detect a wide range of substances, making them a reliable choice for testing. With quick processing and results, hair tests are an effective tool for identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and dependable.
Employers in Crossnore, NC, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces the risk of legal complications and enhances workplace safety. By implementing hair testing, businesses can maintain a safe environment and provide peace of mind, knowing they are on the right side of compliance and risk management.
