Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now perceived as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. If harvested near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of roughly up to 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. Whenever we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The comprehensive procedure for processing a drug testing sample in a laboratory comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process verifies that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails an initial assessment for drug abuse. Though cost-efficient for negating drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be accepted in legal settings. Samples indicating a preliminary positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a tentative positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is notably complex.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides superior benefits compared to traditional urine tests in High Shoals, NC. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests surpass older methods, offering a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's drug history. This cutting-edge testing ensures superior detection, minimizing false results and providing employers with a dependable tool for maintaining workplace integrity.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in High Shoals, NC, is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can reveal drug use history extending up to 90 days. This broader scope grants employers a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's long-term substance use, making hair testing an invaluable resource in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Reducing the risk of sample tampering, the hair follicle testing method in High Shoals, NC, ensures the integrity of the results. Its robust nature significantly curtails the likelihood of sample adulteration, providing employers and professionals with confidence in the test outcomes. This reliability means results are not only accurate but also indisputable.
With convenient locations across the nation, including High Shoals, NC, accessing hair follicle testing services is both simple and efficient. Our nationwide network ensures easy and prompt testing service availability, removing the hassle from the process and providing a seamless experience for those needing reliable drug testing solutions.
In High Shoals, NC, the process for ordering and receiving hair follicle testing through us is straightforward and discreet. From test ordering to result receipt, we prioritize user privacy and ease of use. This streamlined approach addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality, ensuring individuals feel secure throughout the testing process.
Affordable pricing combined with quick result turnaround makes our hair follicle testing service in High Shoals, NC, appealing to businesses of all sizes. We provide excellent value through competitive rates without sacrificing quality, allowing employers to access reliable testing services without financial strain, ensuring peace of mind.
In High Shoals, NC, the swiftness and reliability of hair follicle drug tests set them apart in the arena of drug screening. They offer remarkable precision in detecting substance use, ensuring quicker, more accurate insights into an individual's drug history. This speed, paired with high accuracy, makes hair testing an invaluable tool for various settings demanding trustworthy results.
For employers in High Shoals, NC, hair follicle testing offers both compliance and reassurance. By utilizing this method, employers can adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. This ensures a safer, more conductive work environment while upholding stringent compliance standards, essential for the peace of mind of employers and stakeholders alike.
