Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair fiber traps biomarkers indicative of alcohol and substances, offering a long-term consumption record. When taken from the scalp, hair can reflect drug and alcohol intake over a period of up to three months. Collection of hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, ideal for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding ten panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is encouraged. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used instead. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" comprises all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This step includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening carries out an initial, rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient means of excluding drug use in the majority of samples, results that yield tentative positive outcomes require confirmation for legal acceptability. All samples marked as potentially positive in Screening undergo further confirmation.
A sample showing a potential positive in the Screening stage will have additional hair extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (like urine or saliva), underscoring why hair drug tests pose the greatest methodological challenge.
Confirmation of any tentative positive Screening outcomes relies on GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All suspected positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is thoroughly audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and certified according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation pertains to the hair strand itself, not the underlying follicle within the scalp.
In Iron Station, NC, hair follicle testing has shown itself superior to traditional urine tests. Why? The detection accuracy is greatly enhanced as hair tests screen for traces of drug use over longer durations. Moreover, the reliability of hair testing means fewer chances of error. As a result, hair drug tests deliver benefits that significantly outstrip those of urine tests.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Iron Station, NC, is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days, it provides a complete view of an individual's substance use history. For employers, this long-term detection capability means a deeper insight into employee behavior, promoting informed hiring and policy decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Iron Station, NC, sets a benchmark in tamper resistance. The testing procedure ensures that the sample remains unchanged and authentic, significantly cutting down the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability builds trust and provides results that are hard to dispute, thereby eliminating uncertainties in the drug screening process.
With Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Iron Station, NC, accessibility is never an issue. Our locations provide seamless, hassle-free access to testing services. Wherever you are within the nation, you can count on a nearby center to deliver quick and convenient testing solutions for your specific needs.
Accredited Drug Testing in Iron Station, NC, makes the testing process straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures user privacy and ease. Our simple process addresses privacy concerns effectively, fostering a stress-free testing experience. Clients can take comfort in knowing their information remains secure and confidential.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround, testing with us in Iron Station, NC, ensures you get great value. Our budget-friendly rates mean that companies of any size can leverage our services without financial strain. The swift generation of results alongside affordability provides significant peace of mind for employers and organizations.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing in Iron Station, NC stand unmatched. Aiming for high accuracy, these tests reliably detect substance use far better than other methods. The advanced analysis techniques ensure that every report is accurate, instilling confidence in their results. Additionally, the quick processing time ensures you receive findings promptly, supporting swift decision-making.
Employers in Iron Station, NC, gain substantial peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks and boosting workplace safety. Ensuring adherence not only fosters a secure work environment but strengthens employer credibility, safeguarding their organizational interests.
