Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. When sourced from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is regarded as the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG add-ons and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially incorporated into the lab's system. This step confirms that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While it's cost-efficient for ruling out drugs in most cases, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than those seen in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The overall laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Jamesville, NC, when comparing hair follicle and urine tests, hair testing consistently demonstrates superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests cover a more extended period, often up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which may fail to identify longer-term substance use.
Within Jamesville, NC, hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged timeframe grants employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use over a longer period compared to traditional tests.
Employers appreciate the complete overview hair testing provides, showing consistent patterns and helping to make informed decisions. This method enhances workforce stability by facilitating better hiring practices and ongoing evaluations.
In Jamesville, NC, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their tamper-resistant nature, minimizing the risk of adulterated samples. This integrity ensures results are reliable and unquestionable, enhancing confidence among all stakeholders.
The meticulous collection process plays a significant role in eliminating tampering opportunities. By requiring an observed collection, hair testing guarantees the authenticity of the test samples, setting it apart from other testing methods.
Testing in Jamesville, NC, and nationwide is made convenient with extensive testing center networks. Whether locally or across the country, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free, ensuring straightforward logistics.
This geographic flexibility allows efficient scheduling at testing centers closest to clients’ locations, thereby reducing downtime and facilitating timely results, a testament to our commitment to ease of access and customer satisfaction.
The drug testing process in Jamesville, NC, prioritizes a simple and confidential approach. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to respect clients’ privacy concerns and ensure a user-friendly experience.
The straightforward process reassures participants of their information's confidentiality. Employers and individuals can trust the integrity of the system, focusing on the task at hand without worrying about data breaches or unnecessary complexities.
In Jamesville, NC, hair follicle testing is characterized by affordable pricing and a fast turnaround. This combination ensures organizations receive excellent value, managing costs effectively while acquiring reliable results swiftly.
Competitive pricing structures cater to organizations of all sizes, making these services accessible to startups and large enterprises alike. The cost-effectiveness of our tests complements the rapid delivery of results, optimizing operational decisions.
In Jamesville, NC, hair follicle tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. These tests deliver precise results, identifying drug and alcohol use swiftly without compromising reliability. This combination of fast evaluation and high accuracy makes hair testing an optimal choice for timely decisions in drug use detection.
Accuracy is at the forefront with hair testing. It precisely identifies substances consumed over various timelines, minimizing errors and offering trustable outcomes. This method is increasingly preferred by organizations seeking dependable testing solutions without delay.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Jamesville, NC, enables companies to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach minimizes legal risks and reinforces workplace safety, leading to greater peace of mind for employers and employees alike.
