Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the hair strands. When clipped close to the scalp, it can offer approximately a 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommended 150mg of the sample is necessary. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measurement. Should scalp hair not be accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains to scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab analysis of drug test outputs are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial handling of a sample into the lab's workflow. This entails validating that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for illicit substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to disqualify drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome needs confirmation for courtroom acceptance. Any sample that is provisionally positive during Screening must undergo further verification.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and readies for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than with other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug assessment is most challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result takes place via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples get washed before confirmation as needed. The whole lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand itself and not the sub-scalp hair follicle.
Why Choose Hair Testing? In Marble, NC, opting for hair follicle testing over urine tests provides a superior advantage. With enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing offers the benefit of capturing a longer history of substance use.
Extended History Captured by hair follicle testing in Marble, NC allows employers to observe an individual's substance use behavior over up to a 90-day period, offering a fuller picture of their past.
Unmatched Test Integrity in Marble, NC highlights hair follicle tests' resistance to adulteration, delivering results that are both dependable and definitive without the risk of tampering.
Accessible Testing Services Nationwide and locally in Marble, NC, our testing centers provide a convenient path to acquiring necessary testing services, ensuring a smooth experience.
Confidentiality and Ease Embedded in our process in Marble, NC is the assurance of privacy at every step, from order to result, simplifying the testing experience for all involved.
Competitive Pricing with Swift Results offered in Marble, NC make our services a cost-effective choice for all businesses, paired with rapid test result delivery to maximize value and peace of mind.
Speed and Precision Combined in Marble, NC, are hallmarks of hair follicle drug tests. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring quick and confident results for any testing need.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety Hair follicle testing in Marble, NC assists employers in upholding drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal concerns, and enhancing overall workplace safety.