Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the strand as it grows, offering a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair can exhibit up to a three-month period of detection for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
For optimal screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch sample, roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, should be used to acquire 100mg of hair. If conducting EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent collection of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial steps to process a sample in the laboratory system. This process includes confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry if not provided electronically via a chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it offers a cost-effective means to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that screen presumptive positive require further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), enhancing the challenge of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concentrates on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marietta, NC
Hair follicle drug testing stands superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair tests offer a broader and more thorough overview of an individual's substance use history, making them a preferred choice among employers and legal professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Marietta, NC
Hair follicle testing offers a major advantage with its extended detection period, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history. This allows employers to thoroughly evaluate an applicant or employee's substance history, gaining a deeper understanding and ensuring a safer, drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marietta, NC
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. This method reduces the risk of sample adulteration significantly, ensuring that the results obtained are reliable and beyond dispute. Such integrity makes hair follicle testing highly dependable for various applications.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marietta, NC
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures you can access drug testing services easily and conveniently. Whether locally in Marietta or across the nation, our facilities are strategically placed to deliver quick, effortless, and reliable testing solutions whenever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marietta, NC
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and user convenience, making it as stress-free as possible for individuals concerned about discretion and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marietta, NC
Our cost-effective pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times ensure that businesses, regardless of their size, receive excellent value. Our commitment to affordability does not compromise on quality, ensuring peace of mind for all clients through our reliable services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marietta, NC
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision and speed in detecting substance use. The method provides accurate outcomes that are trusted by professionals in various fields. The testing process is swift, ensuring timely results that help employers and other authorities make informed decisions rapidly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marietta, NC
Employers can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies by using hair follicle testing. It reduces potential legal issues and ensures a safe work environment. This peace of mind is invaluable, enhancing overall operational effectiveness and safety standards.
