Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair samples are now recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longitudinal history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection duration of up to around 90 days for both alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A minimum of 200 hair strands, cut 1.5 inches close to the scalp (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width), will yield a sample weighing approximately 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. This procedure includes validating the sample’s seal and shipment, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for the presence of abused substances. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in numerous cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for courtroom validity. Samples testing positive in Screening undergo further verification.
In cases of a positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and put through Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug screening is exceptionally challenging.
Positive screens undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are prescreened positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often incorrectly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Enochville, NC
Hair tests offer superior detection capability over traditional urine tests, providing long-term substance history. They demonstrate heightened accuracy and reliability, giving peace of mind to organizations prioritizing safety and legal compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Enochville, NC
Hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, gives employers a detailed look at an individual's substance use history, making it an invaluable tool for informed decision-making and maintaining workplace standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Enochville, NC
Hair follicle drug tests are inherently resistant to tampering, ensuring reliability. The test's structure greatly minimizes the potential for sample adulteration, providing robust and unequivocal results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Enochville, NC
Our vast network of testing centers guarantees easy access from numerous locations, ensuring hassle-free and prompt testing services to meet your needs anywhere in the nation, including locally in Enochville.
Simple, Confidential Process in Enochville, NC
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward and discreet, ensuring confidentiality and ease. Our process respects privacy concerns, making it seamless for clients to undergo testing procedures effortlessly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Enochville, NC
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times provide valuable and cost-effective solutions for organizations of any size, delivering peace of mind with budget-friendly options and timely results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Enochville, NC
Hair follicle drug tests assure speedy results combined with precision, offering a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests provide quick assessments, allowing employers to make informed decisions without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Enochville, NC
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a secure work environment. Such compliance leads to enhanced safety and peace of mind for employers.
