Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a long-term history of substance use. Collecting hair near the scalp can provide a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system, involving sealing and shipping verification, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a quick initial check for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal contexts. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a concentration lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirming any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Enka, NC, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing can identify drug use over a longer period, offering unmatched reliability. While urine tests are limited to detecting recent use, hair tests capture a comprehensive substance history.
Employers gain a detailed view of drug use with hair testing, ensuring a thorough assessment. The prolonged detection window and accuracy of hair tests highlight their advantages over traditional urine tests, making them an optimal choice for rigorous screening.
Hair follicle testing in Enka, NC, provides an extended detection window, often spanning up to 90 days. This long duration allows employers to see a broader picture of an individual's drug use history. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair follicle testing offers comprehensive insights into past substance use.
With a testing window that far exceeds that of other methods, hair follicle testing is invaluable for employers aiming to understand the long-term substance use patterns of applicants or employees. This extended detection capability is crucial for informed decision-making.
In Enka, NC, hair follicle testing is lauded for its resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are difficult to alter, ensuring trustworthy results. The nature of hair testing minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, granting reliable outcomes.
The integrity of hair follicle tests provides peace of mind, as they deliver results that are hard to dispute. For those seeking a secure and tamper-resistant testing approach, hair follicle testing stands out as the clearer choice.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its nationwide network, including local facilities in Enka, NC. These centers provide quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services, aligning with the needs of those seeking straightforward testing solutions.
Whether nearby or across the nation, our testing centers are readily accessible, offering seamless service to meet varying demands. This wide reach emphasizes ease and availability, establishing a reliable network for comprehensive drug testing needs.
The process of hair follicle testing in Enka, NC, is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to ensure user privacy and simplicity. This clarity in process addresses concerns about privacy and usability efficiently.
Individuals seeking a discreet testing approach find solace in the structured yet simple methodology offered. It ensures that each step caters to confidentiality needs while maintaining ease of use, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.
Accredited Drug Testing in Enka, NC, provides competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our pricing structures are tailored to be budget-friendly for companies of various sizes, ensuring that cost-effective solutions are available.
The combination of affordability and fast processing times demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent value. Clients benefit from cost savings without compromising the quality or speed of test results, securing peace of mind at minimal expense.
Hair follicle drug testing in Enka, NC, is renowned for its fast and precise results. This method offers a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that the tests are both reliable and swift. The efficiency of hair testing minimizes wait times, providing quick insights into an individual’s drug history.
The reliability of hair follicle tests makes them a preferred choice for many seeking fast, accurate, and dependable results. Each test is designed to pinpoint substance use with precision, making them an invaluable tool for both personal and professional settings.
For employers in Enka, NC, hair follicle testing offers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, greatly reducing legal hazards. By choosing hair tests, companies ensure that their work environment remains safe and compliant with necessary regulations.
The assurance provided by hair follicle testing brings peace of mind, knowing that the methodologies adhere to strict standards. This reduces potential liabilities, fostering a secure and drug-free workplace, crucial for productivity
