Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. It captures a long-term record of drug and alcohol consumption by retaining biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected close to the scalp, it affords up to a 3-month detection period for both drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is convenient, with limited chances for tampering, and shipping is straightforward.
A 1.5-inch sample of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) near to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurately weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is absent, equivalent body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes in drug testing consist of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling of a sample in the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a quick preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening economically eliminates drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive at Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms traditional urine analyses is evident in Hiwassee, NC. The superior detection capability offered by hair tests ensures unparalleled accuracy and trustworthiness.
Comparing hair follicle to urine testing, the former sets itself apart with an extended detection window, elevating its effectiveness and reliability in a corporate or judicial setting.
Extended Detection Period is a significant factor favoring hair follicle testing. In Hiwassee, NC, these tests detect substance use over a prolonged timeframe, frequently up to 90 days, offering in-depth insights into an individual's history.
This extended window allows businesses in Hiwassee to gain comprehensive perspectives on applicants or employees, enabling more informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Methodology is a highlight of hair follicle testing. In Hiwassee, NC, these tests minimize the odds of sample adulteration, ensuring results are both credible and definitive.
The robust nature of hair tests makes it challenging to alter samples, thereby providing results that can be trusted in forensic or workplace settings.
Convenient Testing Centers are available nationwide, ensuring ease of access in Hiwassee, NC. Our wide-reaching network ensures a smooth and stress-free testing experience.
In Hiwassee, residents benefit from locally available centers, making the testing process both accessible and efficient.
Streamlined and Confidential processes characterize hair follicle testing in Hiwassee, NC. The straightforward procedure ensures privacy at every step, from ordering to result receipt.
Concerns about confidentiality are addressed head-on, with a commitment to a process that respects user privacy and simplifies the testing experience.
Competitive Pricing and quick turnarounds define our hair follicle testing services in Hiwassee, NC. Our pricing schemes offer excellent value for companies regardless of size.
With rapid return times and fair pricing, our services guarantee both quality and economy, a boon for businesses in Hiwassee.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable results are a key advantage of hair follicle drug tests. In Hiwassee, NC, these tests are renowned for their precision and rapidity, effectively identifying substance use.
The accuracy level provided by hair follicle testing ensures that results are both rapid and reliable, thereby positioning it as a leading choice for those demanding swift and incontrovertible outcomes.
Compliance and Assurance are achieved through hair follicle testing. In Hiwassee, NC, this method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal liabilities and bolstering safety.
Employers can gain peace of mind knowing that the testing method they employ upholds regulatory standards and enhances workplace operations.
