Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term data on alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands during growth. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can provide an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is easy, resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) taken from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. To ensure precision, weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. “Head hair†specifies scalp hair solely. “Body hair†encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four central steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system, confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective method to negate drug usage on the majority of samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation for court admissibility. Any sample with a presumptive positive from Screening necessitates further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is what makes hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Florence, NC
Hair follicle testing has proven superior to traditional urine tests by providing enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. With a broader detection window, it can identify substance use over a longer period, making it an excellent choice for employers and professionals in Florence, NC, who require dependable drug testing solutions.
Extended Detection Window in Florence, NC
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window, often up to 90 days, that provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This extended period is particularly beneficial for employers in Florence, NC, who seek to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's past behavior concerning substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Florence, NC
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the most reliable results. This testing method provides nearly tamper-proof evidence of substance use, greatly enhancing the validity of results for employers and legal authorities in Florence, NC, seeking unquestionable accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Florence, NC
With a network of nationwide testing centers and local sites in Florence, NC, accessing drug testing has never been easier. Our facilities are designed for convenience, allowing individuals and businesses to quickly and effortlessly utilize our testing services without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Florence, NC
The hair follicle testing procedure is both simple and confidential, designed to respect the privacy of individuals. From ordering to receiving results, the process is streamlined and user-friendly, ensuring that concerns about privacy and ease of use are addressed, especially for residents in Florence, NC.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Florence, NC
Boasting competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing offers exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Residents and businesses in Florence, NC, benefit from cost-effective testing solutions that do not compromise on speed or quality, providing both affordability and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Florence, NC
Hair follicle drug tests offer a high level of precision and speed in detecting substance use. With consistent accuracy, these tests provide quick results, ensuring that individuals and organizations can make informed decisions swiftly. The meticulous analysis process guarantees reliability, making it a superior choice for those in Florence, NC who demand top-notch testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Florence, NC
Using hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. For employers in Florence, NC, this method provides peace of mind through reliable testing results, fostering a trust-filled and secure workplace.
