Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly appreciated as a formidable method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by trapping biomarkers within the hair shaft's fibers as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal substance use over an estimated 3-month period. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal hair specimen for screening and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, equating to 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional checks, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Evaluating the specimen using a jeweler’s scale is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term 'head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Summary
The laboratory handling of a drug test outcome involves four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the sample's initial entry into the laboratory system. This stage includes confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample be presumed positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the original specimen is extracted and set for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most complex procedure to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screen result employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples presumed positive undergo washing, if necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," these assessments actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Dobbins Heights, NC, is superior to urine testing due to its enhanced detection accuracy. Hair tests can identify drug use patterns that urine tests might miss, providing reliable and comprehensive results.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing allows for extended detection of substance use history, offering insights that are beyond the immediate timeframe covered by urine tests.
For those implementing drug testing protocols, choosing hair follicle testing over urine testing can ensure superior accuracy and reliability in reflecting long-term substance habits.
In the context of drug testing in Dobbins Heights, NC, hair follicle tests reveal drug use over a significantly longer detection period, up to 90 days, providing a more comprehensive history than traditional tests.
This elongated detection window allows employers to gain far-reaching insights into an individual's substance use, which is crucial for making informed decisions.
By using hair follicle tests, organizations benefit from a longer historical view of substance use, proving essential for thorough evaluations of applicants and employees.
In Dobbins Heights, NC, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of drug screening, drastically lowering the risks of sample adulteration.
Organizations opting for this method can trust the outcomes due to its high resistance to tampering, ensuring integrity in the drug testing process.
Convenience in Dobbins Heights, NC drug testing is enhanced by our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, allowing easy access to essential testing services.
Accessible testing locations ensure a process that is quick and hassle-free, making it simpler for individuals and organizations to fulfill their testing needs efficiently.
This broad accessibility guarantees a swift and seamless testing experience, without the stress of locating a facility, ensuring a smoother process overall.
The simple and confidential nature of hair follicle drug testing in Dobbins Heights, NC, sets it apart, allowing individuals to order, take, and receive results with ease.
With simplicity and confidentiality at its core, this testing process addresses and alleviates concerns surrounding privacy.
Competitive pricing is a standout feature of hair follicle testing services in Dobbins Heights, NC, providing affordable options for all company sizes.
Our efficient service ensures fast turnaround, reducing waiting periods and enhancing value for businesses investing in these services.
Combining cost-effectiveness with quick results, our services present excellent value, offering reliable drug testing without breaking the bank.
In Dobbins Heights, NC, the precision and reliability of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests provide fast, accurate, and dependable results, making them an ideal choice for detecting substance use efficiently.
The methodology employed in hair follicle testing allows for swift and precise identification of drug use, which enhances the trustworthiness of the results significantly.
When choosing a testing method, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle tests make them favored over traditional methods in ensuring timely and correct results.
Reliability is crucial for Dobbins Heights, NC employers aiming for compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Hair follicle tests can help achieve this goal, providing peace of mind.
Choosing hair tests ensures adherence to drug-free policies, promoting both legal safety and a healthier work environment.
