Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, hair offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and other drugs. When obtained close to the scalp, hair samples can present a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides approximately 100mg of hair, an optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, advanced tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome is broken down into four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into a laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an affordable means to eliminate drug utilization on most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prep for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), necessitating that hair drug testing is among the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the actual test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing methods in Lasker, NC, hair follicle testing offers clearer benefits over conventional urine testing. It provides an extensive detection window, catching prior drug use up to 90 days, a feat urine tests can't match. Employers benefit from greater detection accuracy, aiding stronger workplace policies. Tests are more dependable and harder to falsify, offering a robust solution where urine tests might falter.
The standout advantage of hair follicle testing in Lasker, NC is its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This long detection window provides employers with a thorough overview of an employee's or applicant's substance use history, offering a comprehensive perspective on their suitability for roles requiring trustworthiness and sobriety.
In Lasker, NC, hair follicle testing proves to be a tamper-resistant method for drug detection. Hair samples cannot be easily adulterated, unlike urine tests, making it a favored choice for ensuring reliability. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation, delivering unquestionable results that employers and courts can trust fully.
Convenience abounds with our nationwide and local testing locations in Lasker, NC. Access is hassle-free and quick, enabling individuals to undergo testing without unnecessary delays. Our widespread presence ensures that test centers are within reach no matter where clients are situated, minimizing commute time and maximizing efficiency.
The process in Lasker, NC, for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, the procedure is designed to be straightforward while maintaining the utmost confidentiality. Clients can trust that their privacy is upheld at every step, allowing for stress-free engagement with the testing process.
Lasker, NC, offers affordable pricing structures for hair follicle testing, catering to companies of all sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, it provides excellent value. Businesses benefit from reasonable rates and efficient service, granting them peace of mind that their testing needs are met swiftly and economically.
In Lasker, NC, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their accuracy and swiftness in detecting substance use. Hair testing provides reliable results through meticulous methodologies and advanced technological support, ensuring that test outcomes are both precise and trustworthy. This testing advantageously positions it against other traditional testing methods.
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies in Lasker, NC, bringing peace of mind to employers. It reduces legal risks, ensuring that all employees comply with required standards, thereby fostering a safe working environment. Consistent use of this testing method demonstrates an organization's commitment to safety and policy adherence.
