Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of a growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering an extensive overview of alcohol and other drug usage. When collected closely to the scalp, hair can reveal usage over a roughly 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in width) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and validation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, it refers strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory drug test analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially logged into a laboratory’s system. This stage ensures that the sample has been sealed and sent appropriately, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry missing from an electronic custody chain.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Despite being cost-efficient to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any sample yielding a presumptive positive needs subsequent confirmation.
For specimens showing a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted for further processing during Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than with alternate methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, samples showing presumptive positives undergo cleaning as necessary. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the focus of this test is on the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
George, NC finds hair follicle testing to have distinct advantages over urine testing. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, capturing long-term drug use patterns that traditional urine tests may miss. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are nearly fraud-proof and ensure a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, making them a reliable choice in workplace and legal settings.
In George, NC, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing sets it apart. This method reveals drug use history up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use. This long-term perspective is invaluable, allowing for informed decisions that ensure safety and compliance within the workplace.
George, NC benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. This method significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy and irrefutable outcomes. By protecting against adulteration, hair tests offer a level of reliability that traditional testing methods cannot match, reinforcing confidence in the results.
Convenience is at the forefront with comprehensive testing locations across George, NC and beyond. Nationwide centers provide easy access to testing services, making it simple for individuals and organizations to undertake necessary tests without hassle. Local availability adds to the convenience, ensuring quick, efficient testing experiences for all.
In George, NC, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and ease in mind. Clients can be assured of a simple experience that prioritizes their personal information, fostering a sense of trust and reliability in testing services offered.
George, NC offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround for hair follicle tests, accommodating businesses of various sizes. With affordable rates and fast processing times, these services provide excellent value, ensuring that employers can efficiently manage their testing needs without straining budgets while still upholding high standards of reliability.
In George, NC, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed and accuracy. Their high level of precision in identifying substance use makes them a dependable choice for various testing needs. With rapid processing and reliable results, hair tests are an excellent alternative to traditional methods, providing confidence in the outcomes delivered to individuals and employers alike.
Employers in George, NC experience compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This efficient method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering safety. By ensuring adherence to these standards, companies can cultivate a secure and productive work environment, essential for business success.
