Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake through the embedding of biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When hair samples are taken close to the scalp, they can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drug usage. Hair collections are straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil), situated nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests that include EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When citing head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing a drug test result encompass four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a laboratory’s framework. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of concern. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is collected from the original sample and is then processed for Extraction. During this phase, hair reveals drug residues at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any Screening positives is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when required. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is checked in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the scalp's underlying hair follicle
Hair follicle testing offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests in Fruitland, NC. By uncovering substance use with greater precision and reliability, hair tests provide enhanced detection accuracy. This superior approach ensures a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history than urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Fruitland, NC, excels with its extended detection window. Allowing for drug use assessment over a 90-day period, it grants employers a comprehensive view into an applicant or employee's substance history, proving indispensable compared to shorter-term detection methods.
In Fruitland, NC, the hair follicle test method notably curtails the risk of sample adulteration. By offering reliable and unquestionable results, these tests ensure the integrity of substance use assessments, making tampering significantly more difficult.
In Fruitland, NC, our testing centers' nationwide reach ensures convenience for all users. With quick and easy access to testing services, individuals benefit from a hassle-free experience, underscoring our commitment to accessibility and efficiency.
The order and execution of hair follicle tests in Fruitland, NC, present a simple and confidential process. Concerned about privacy? Rest assured, from order to result, the procedure maintains ease of use and discretion for all users involved.
Our pricing structures in Fruitland, NC, are affordable with swift turnaround times. By offering competitive rates and rapid service, we deliver outstanding value, ensuring companies of all sizes access quick and economic drug testing solutions.
In Fruitland, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These assessments offer high accuracy, ensuring the identification of substance use is both fast and reliable. The timely and precise nature of these tests makes them the ideal choice for various institutions seeking accurate results.
Implementing hair follicle testing fosters compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Fruitland, NC. This minimizes legal risks, bolsters workplace safety, and provides employers with peace of mind, enhancing the overall work environment's security and adherence to regulations.
