Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sampling has emerged as an impactful method to detect substance use. By capturing biomarkers within the strand's fibers, hair offers an extended historical record of drug and alcohol consumption. When taken near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch snippet of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels beyond 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Head hair indicates only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage, processing a sample into the lab's system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry if an electronic chain of custody system wasn't used.
Screening conducts an initial brief check for drug abuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the primary sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drug concentrations are extracted from hair at levels much lower than other techniques like urine or oral fluid, underscoring why hair drug testing is particularly demanding.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis assesses the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Longwood, NC, hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. The detection window for hair tests extends up to 90 days, surpassing urine's limited time frame.
Employers prefer hair tests because they exhibit higher reliability, crucial for workplace safety and compliance. Hair tests are also less prone to tampering, ensuring authentic results.
Overall, hair follicle testing reveals a broader history of drug use, providing comprehensive insights into substance habits.
Longwood, NC employers benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extensive detection range, covering up to 90 days of drug use.
This method delivers a more thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, which is invaluable for making informed hiring decisions.
The prolonged detection capability allows for a broader perspective on an applicant or employee's long-term behavior, fostering a safer work environment.
Hair follicle testing in Longwood, NC, offers a distinct advantage through its resistance to tampering. This method is notably difficult to adulterate, ensuring reliable results.
The collection process itself reduces the risk of sample substitution, providing employers with confidence in the authenticity of the sample.
In settings where accuracy is paramount, the secure nature of hair testing delivers peace of mind by mitigating the likelihood of compromised outcomes.
Convenience is a key advantage with our testing locations in Longwood, NC, part of our vast national network.
Access to these facilities ensures testing services are quick, simple, and stress-free, meeting the needs of businesses and individuals alike.
The widespread availability means testing can be conducted with minimal disruption, offering unparalleled accessibility and ease.
In Longwood, NC, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality.
Ordering tests and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring that privacy is respected at each step.
For individuals and employers, the emphasis on ease and discretion alleviates concerns, fostering a stress-free testing experience.
Our services in Longwood, NC, feature competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, ensuring cost-effective solutions for all businesses.
The swift processing time, coupled with affordability, offers exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Organizations of varying sizes can rely on our efficient and budget-friendly testing, reinforcing overall satisfaction and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in Longwood, NC, provide rapid and dependable results. With exceptional precision, these tests detect substance use with high accuracy.
The swift processing of hair follicle tests means individuals and employers receive prompt feedback, supporting timely decision-making.
Known for their reliability, these tests minimize errors and deliver clear, conclusive outcomes, ensuring confidence in the results provided.
Employers in Longwood, NC, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
Implementing this testing method enhances legal compliance, reducing liability risk and promoting a safer work environment.
With high reliability, hair tests help maintain a culture focused on security and health, contributing to overall organizational well-being.