Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within its developing strands. When harvested near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal a detection window of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest employing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This procedure encompasses confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grandy, NC
In Grandy, NC, the superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests is evident through its extended detection period and reliability. While urine tests offer short-term insights into recent drug use, hair tests grant an expansive view, chronicling substance use history that withstands attempts to alter outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Grandy, NC
Hair follicle testing in Grandy, NC offers a distinct advantage with its extended detection period, looking back up to 90 days. For employers, this means acquiring a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug use history, essential for informed decision-making regarding potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grandy, NC
The resilience of hair follicle tests against tampering is a significant benefit for Grandy, NC's testing scenarios. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, thus ensuring the integrity and reliability of the results, which is crucial for meeting both legal standards and organizational demands.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grandy, NC
With testing centers spread across the nation, including local sites in Grandy, NC, accessing testing services is both quick and convenient. This extensive network guarantees a hassle-free process, reassuring individuals and employers of the ease of securing necessary drug tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grandy, NC
The hair follicle testing process in Grandy, NC is straightforward and respects individual privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed to be both simple and confidential, addressing concerns regarding personal privacy and ensuring ease of use for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grandy, NC
Our hair follicle testing services in Grandy, NC pair competitive pricing with swift turnaround times. This combination not only assures excellent value for businesses of varied sizes but also encourages trust and satisfaction through cost-effective and prompt service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grandy, NC
Through the precision of hair follicle drug testing, individuals and employers in Grandy, NC can expect fast and reliable results. This method's high accuracy in detecting substances is unparalleled, providing peace of mind and ensuring that drug use detection is both precise and timely.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grandy, NC
Employers in Grandy, NC can trust hair follicle testing to align with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only ensures compliance but also mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind through demonstrable adherence to regulations.
