Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand retains biomarkers in its fibers, providing a comprehensive history of drug use over time. When clipped close to the scalp, hair offers an approximately 3-month span for detecting alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it’s comparatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp gives roughly 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirming results. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four essential phases in laboratory processing for drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the primary integration of a sample into a lab’s system. It confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is conducted to quickly check for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug presence in most samples, positive results must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower intensity than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are utilized for the Confirmation of any positive Screening results. Any presumed positive samples undergo cleansing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is oftentimes misused, as the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Earl, NC
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses detect drug consumption trends over an extended time, significantly enhancing detection accuracy and minimizing false negatives.
Extended Detection Window in Earl, NC
One notable feature of hair follicle testing is its prolonged detection window, up to 90 days. This extended range provides employers in Earl, NC a thorough perspective on an individual's history, allowing for more informed decision-making in evaluating potential or current personnel.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Earl, NC
Hair follicle tests greatly lower the odds of sample tampering or substitution, ensuring results are reliable and incontrovertible. In Earl, NC, this test's resilience against alteration guarantees employers' confidence in the accuracy of drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Earl, NC
Our network of testing centers nationwide simplifies access, providing swift, straightforward testing for individuals in any location. In Earl, NC, this makes drug testing both accessible and stress-free, bringing essential services directly to the community.
Simple, Confidential Process in Earl, NC
The straightforward and discreet process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining test results is designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of use. In Earl, NC, individuals can confidently rely on a seamless and confidential testing experience that addresses all privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Earl, NC
We offer competitive pricing structures along with rapid turnaround times, providing great value and assurance for businesses of varying sizes. In Earl, NC, clients benefit from our cost-effective solutions and prompt service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Earl, NC
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and precision, ensuring quick results and high accuracy in identifying substance use. In Earl, NC, these tests provide a comprehensive analysis that is both swift and dependable, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Earl, NC
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps businesses adhere to drug-free workplace regulations, thereby mitigating legal exposures and fostering a secure working environment. Employers in Earl, NC benefit from increased compliance and reassurance.
