Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by retaining biomarkers within the hair fibers that grow. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol use over an estimated three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) from near the scalp produces a sample weighing 100mg, which is optimal for both initial testing and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair pertains only to scalp hair, while body hair includes other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The process in the lab for assessing drug test samples consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the inclusion of a sample into a laboratory’s system. Tasks include checking that the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While it offers a cost-efficient means of eliminating drug use suspicions for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be court admissible. Any samples testing positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging testing techniques.
Confirmation for positive screening outcomes occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumably positive samples are washed in preparation for confirmation as needed. The complete lab protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing drug testing methods in Fountain, NC, hair follicle testing emerges as superior over traditional urine tests. Hair testing not only boasts unparalleled detection precision but also delivers consistent results that employers can trust. This reliability makes it an optimal choice for those seeking comprehensive and accurate drug screening methods.
Hair follicle testing in Fountain, NC offers an extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use history. This comprehensive coverage provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's past drug use, making it a valuable tool for evaluating potential or current employees.
The hair follicle test is a tamper-resistant method prevalent in Fountain, NC, effectively minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are reliable and beyond question, providing confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
Fountain, NC benefits from convenient nationwide testing locations, simplifying access to drug testing services. With easily accessible centers, obtaining necessary tests is quick and hassle-free for individuals and organizations alike, ensuring seamless testing experiences across the country.
In Fountain, NC, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, we've streamlined the process to ensure privacy and ease for all users, addressing concerns regarding confidentiality with utmost care and sensitivity.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Fountain, NC, our hair follicle testing services deliver considerable value. Efficient service and affordability are tailored for organizations of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind without compromising on quality or cost-effectiveness.
In Fountain, NC, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision. This method offers rapid and reliable results, allowing employers and individuals to make informed decisions based on high accuracy in substance detection. When time and accuracy are crucial, hair testing provides quick and trustworthy outcomes, setting a high standard in drug testing services.
Employers in Fountain, NC can find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety, this method supports a secure and compliant professional environment.
