Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for uncovering substance and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a lasting account of alcohol and drugs through the capture of biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month span for identifying alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A strand sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) from the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal sample for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, about 150mg of the hair is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a corresponding amount of body hair can be gathered. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing a drug result are primarily Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary handling of a sample into lab systems. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment are intact, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data entry not automated by an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug usage. While Screening is an efficient method to eliminate a majority of negatives, a positive outcome needs verification to be credible in legal settings. Any samples that show potential drug presence during Screening necessitate further Confirmation.
If Screening indicates a sample may be positive, additional hair from the sample is set aside for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at markedly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Any samples showing potential positives are cleansed prior to final Confirmation. The total lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp
When evaluating drug testing methods in Kittrell, NC, hair follicle testing stands out. It surpasses traditional urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can unveil drug use within an extended timeline, offering a broader view of an individual's substance history. This comprehensive approach is invaluable, especially when accuracy and reliability are vital in decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Kittrell, NC, offers the advantage of a long detection window, revealing up to 90 days of substance use history. This extensive timeline provides employers with crucial insights into an applicant or employee's drug habits. The expanded period makes hair testing a superior alternative for those needing a thorough review of past substance use.
In Kittrell, NC, hair follicle testing is celebrated for its tamper-resistant quality. The testing method minimizes risks of sample adulteration, thereby securing reliable evaluations. Its design makes it nearly impossible to cheat, ensuring that results are both reliable and beyond question. This testing method, thus, provides a credible overview of one's drug use history.
In Kittrell, NC, and nationwide, our testing centers provide convenience in hair follicle testing. Flexible locations ensure accessibility, streamlining the process for quick and stress-free testing. Whether local or further afield, our centers are designed to facilitate easy access, making testing a hassle-free endeavor for all clients involved.
Our process in Kittrell, NC, ensures simplicity and confidentiality in hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving results, the system prioritizes privacy and ease. The discreet nature of our services means that your data remains secure, ensuring a stress-free experience. Clients can rely on us for a streamlined and confidential process.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround characterize our services in Kittrell, NC. Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value, offering peace of mind for companies of all sizes. The quick results don't compromise quality, ensuring that businesses receive timely and accurate information without straining their budgets.
The precision of hair follicle tests in Kittrell, NC is undeniable. Recognized for their speed, these tests accurately identify substance use. Hair samples reveal a history of drug intake, offering comprehensive insights. For those seeking fast results, this method provides unparalleled reliability in determining one's drug use history, pinpointing it with accuracy and timeliness.
Employers in Kittrell, NC, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, it fortifies the trust within workforce environments. Compliance with such policies is critical to promoting a secure and efficient workplace.
