Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly perceived as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period extending up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above ten, a 150mg sample is advised. Usage of a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and made ready for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleaned as required before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle residing beneath the scalp.
In Derita, NC, hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection precision and reliability. Hair testing offers a broader detection window, showcasing drug use over an extended period, unlike urine tests that capture only recent usage. Employers and professionals gain more confidence with hair tests as they're tougher to manipulate and provide a clearer picture of substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Derita, NC offers an impressive detection window, monitoring drug use over a 90-day period. This extended range provides employers a detailed view of a candidate or employee's substance use patterns, beyond the limited scope of urine tests. Such comprehensive insights arm companies with valuable information to make informed decisions regarding workforce management.
An outstanding feature of hair follicle tests in Derita, NC is their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly reduce risks associated with sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results. The collection process is observed, minimizing the chances of tampering. Thus, they offer a more foolproof method for obtaining accurate substance use data, essential for critical decision-making.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including local access in Derita, NC, hair follicle testing becomes hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing ensures seamless, rapid accessibility for clients needing drug testing services. This broad network provides easy access, reducing wait times and contributing to an efficient and accommodating user experience.
The hair follicle testing process in Derita, NC with Accredited Drug Testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to results, the procedure upholds privacy standards, catering to those concerned about discretion. Simple steps ensure ease of use, making the test process accessible to everyone in need of reliable substance use information.
Accredited Drug Testing in Derita, NC is committed to offering affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Their competitive cost structures combined with speedy results provide excellent value, particularly for businesses of various scales. Clients receive both fiscal savings and swift services, ensuring satisfaction and utility.
Hair follicle drug tests in Derita, NC deliver speedy, precise results. They are renowned for their accuracy, providing reliable data on substance use. The process ensures a high level of detection precision, offering quick insights into an individual's drug use history. Their credibility stems from the robust methodology, which significantly minimizes errors and enhances result dependability.
For employers in Derita, NC, hair follicle testing grants compliance assurance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal concerns and enhances safety, offering peace of mind. Hair tests substantiate zero-tolerance policies, deterring potential drug use due to their stringent detection capabilities, thus fostering a safer working environment.
