Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have become recognized as an effective means to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's developing fibers. When taken from a position near the scalp, hair can allow for nearly a 90-day detection scope for alcohol and other substances. Hair samples are easy to collect, quite challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will supply 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for initial testing and verification. For EtG add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. By head hair, we mean only the scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial handling into a lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid check for illicit substances. Though Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be verified to be considered acceptable in a court setting. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the primary sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from the hair at concentrations much lower than those in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing a complex methodology to carry out.
Verification of any positive Screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo cleaning before final verification as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lenoir, NC
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Lenoir, NC, the former shows clear advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, as substances are identifiable over a longer period. This method's reliability makes it an attractive choice compared to urine tests, which may not detect drug use after a short span. Enhanced detection and assessment contribute to its growing preference.
Extended Detection Window in Lenoir, NC
Employers looking for a comprehensive view of a candidate's substance usage history prefer hair follicle testing due to its extended detection period of up to 90 days. This method uncovers drug use over an extended period, granting employers in Lenoir, NC a thorough understanding of an individual's habits, thereby promoting informed decision-making and fostering a safer workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lenoir, NC
The risk of sample tampering is significantly minimized with hair follicle tests. These tests are less susceptible to manipulation, ensuring the results are dependable and unquestionable. With hair testing, Lenoir, NC sees a reduction in fraudulent attempts, providing solid evidence in drug screenings and maintaining trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lenoir, NC
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing centers across the nation, including local sites in Lenoir, NC. This broad availability ensures that testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free for all clients, offering unparalleled accessibility and service wherever you need it, enhancing the overall experience for those seeking testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lenoir, NC
Our process is straightforward and discreet, ensuring privacy and ease of use for clients in Lenoir, NC. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, every step respects confidentiality, easing any concerns you may have about privacy while delivering efficient and reliable information about substance use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lenoir, NC
By offering competitive pricing options and swift turnaround times, our services guarantee exceptional value for companies of all sizes. In Lenoir, NC, enterprises can rely on cost-effective hair follicle testing that matches their budgetary needs while delivering prompt results, providing both financial and operational advantages.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lenoir, NC
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise outcomes, ensuring their effectiveness in identifying substance use. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy, bolstering their reputation as a dependable tool for drug screening purposes. In Lenoir, NC, countless individuals rely on this method for its speed and unquestionable reliability in delivering accurate results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lenoir, NC
Employers in Lenoir, NC gain peace of mind by using hair follicle testing, which assists in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by ensuring that employees adhere to corporate regulations, promoting a secure environment beneficial to both employers and staff.