Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a detailed record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for around a three-month duration. This method is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In situations where scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair is an acceptable alternative. "Head hair" pertains specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial phase of entering a specimen into the lab system. This step ensures that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary and efficient method to check for drug abuse. While a positive Screening outcome is useful, it must be verified to be legally admissible, necessitating a confirmation for any presumptive positives identified in Screening.
In the event a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. In Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to administer.
To confirm any positive results from screening, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used. All samples that are tentatively positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation specifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is carried out on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests reveals several advantages. Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability, capturing drug use over an extensive timeframe. This makes it a preferred choice for employers seeking confidence in detecting prohibited substance use in Elkin, NC.
Elkin, NC employers find hair follicle testing particularly beneficial due to its extended detection window. Unlike traditional methods, this test can reveal drug use history extending back as far as 90 days, offering a thorough examination of an individual's substance habits.
Hair follicle testing's robustness against tampering makes it an ideal choice in Elkin, NC. This method reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and beyond dispute, enhancing the integrity of drug testing processes.
With our well-distributed testing locations, both nationwide and locally in Elkin, NC, accessing drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free. This geographical accessibility facilitates quick and efficient testing, accommodating employees and individuals promptly.
The straightforward and confidential nature of our hair follicle testing process in Elkin, NC ensures ease of use. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize the privacy and simplicity of our services, creating a stress-free experience for all clients.
In Elkin, NC, our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround on hair follicle tests offer excellent value. We provide competitive rates without sacrificing quality, delivering results promptly to accommodate the diverse needs of companies large and small.
The precision and immediacy of hair follicle drug tests make them a valuable resource in Elkin, NC. Processing can deliver swift and accurate detection of substance use. This efficiency in identifying potentially harmful substances ensures that involved parties receive timely information.
The utilization of hair follicle testing in Elkin, NC provides employers with assurance in upholding drug-free workplace policies. This compliance helps mitigate legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind for employers and fostering a healthier work culture.
