Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged record by capturing chemical indicators in the fibers during hair growth. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reflect drug and alcohol use for approximately up to 90 days. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair are specific to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any necessary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for substances prone to misuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug involvement for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to hold up in legal contexts. Samples flagged as positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up validation.
In instances where a sample tests positive during Screening, an additional hair section is extracted from the original sample, then readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations considerably lower than those employed in methods like urine or saliva analysis, contributing to the complexity of hair drug tests.
Validating any positive screen is accomplished using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before validation, all samples presumed positive undergo a cleansing process if needed. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning to Validation, is evaluated in compliance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards, as well as adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Be aware: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation focuses on the hair strand and not specifically on the follicles beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Love Valley, NC, hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can trace substance use over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive analysis than urine tests. Additionally, the difficulty in tampering with results enhances their dependability, solidifying them as a more effective choice for various testing needs.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Love Valley, NC, offers a deeper insight into an individual's substance use history. Unlike other tests, this method traces drug use up to 90 days, helping employers to make well-informed decisions about their workforce. This prolonged detection allows for a more comprehensive review of an applicant or employee's history, supporting a safer and more informed workplace environment.
In Love Valley, NC, the tamper-resistant qualities of hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the chances of sample adulteration. The collection process ensures genuine and reliable samples, delivering unquestionable results. This tamper-resistant attribute elevates the test's credibility, making it a trusted method for accurate substance use analysis.
With both local and nationwide testing centers, including in Love Valley, NC, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and companies can easily access testing facilities without delay, optimizing time and efficiency for all testing needs.
Our process in Love Valley, NC is both simple and confidential, allowing individuals to order, take, and receive results with ease. The emphasis on privacy ensures that personal data is handled securely throughout, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a smooth testing experience for every client.
Accredited Drug Testing in Love Valley, NC delivers affordable pricing options alongside fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures ensure great value, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions, thus providing peace of mind with every test.
In Love Valley, NC, when precision and speed matter, hair follicle drug tests stand out with unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests ensure rapid results without compromising on precision, making them an ideal choice for those who need fast and reliable outcomes. With technology at its core, this method ensures that every detection is spot-on, making it indispensable for employers and individuals alike.
For employers in Love Valley, NC, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, diminishing legal risks and enhancing safety. By adopting this method, companies can efficiently safeguard their workplace environment while ensuring compliance, providing employers with peace of mind and a more reliable workforce.