Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. It offers a lengthy account of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. By collecting hair near the scalp, it can detect alcohol and drugs over an approximate 3-month period. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) cut near the scalp, yielding 100mg, enough for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is optimal. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is absent, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial sample processing within a laboratory system. This entails verifying the seal and shipping integrity of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for drug presence. It serves as an economical approach to eliminate drug usage among most samples, yet a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are derived from hair at much reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glenville, NC
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Glenville, NC
Hair follicle testing provides a substantial advantage by detecting drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days.
This wide window offers employers and other stakeholders a complete overview of an individual's substance history, providing the assurance needed for informed decision-making regarding employment or legal matters.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glenville, NC
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the likelihood of sample tampering or adulteration.
By utilizing hair specimens, the test ensures the integrity of the sample, delivering reliable and unquestionable results. This method provides a level of accuracy and security that cannot be easily compromised.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glenville, NC
With our extensive network of testing centers, hair follicle testing is made convenient and hassle-free.
Our facilities are strategically located to ensure quick and easy access, whether in Glenville or across the nation. This accessibility enhances the user experience, reducing the time and effort required for testing procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glenville, NC
Our hair testing procedure is designed to be both simple and confidential.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glenville, NC
Our competitive pricing structure, paired with rapid turnaround times, offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
By providing affordable options, we enable organizations to maintain cost-effective drug testing programs without compromising on speed or quality of results, ultimately leading to peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glenville, NC
The hair follicle drug test offers exceptional precision and speed in detecting substance use.
With its ability to accurately identify a wide range of substances, this method ensures reliable results, making it ideal for both individuals and organizations. The high accuracy rates associated with hair testing provide confidence in the validity of the results produced.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glenville, NC
Employers can achieve compliance with workplace drug-free policies by opting for hair follicle testing.
