Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust mechanism for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within its developing fibers. Hair collected near the scalp can present a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for substances and alcohol. The collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and verification. For EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh samples using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent mass of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is introduced into the lab's system, involving verification of proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for abused substances. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for court use. Presumptively positive samples from Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing more challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any samples initially positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire process undergoes review under both CAP's Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
In Marshall, NC, hair follicle testing significantly outperforms traditional urine testing by offering superior detection capabilities. While urine tests can identify drug use within a shorter window, hair follicle tests extend this timeframe, covering up to 90 days, and are less easily manipulated. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests give employers and professionals critical insights into long-term substance use patterns.
Hair follicle testing in Marshall, NC, is distinguished by its extended detection window, capturing drug use over approximately 90 days. This capability provides employers with an exhaustive view of an employee or applicant's history of substance use, enabling informed decision-making. The lengthy detection period is crucial for employers seeking to gauge ongoing substance usage.
Hair follicle drug tests significantly mitigate the chances of sample tampering or adulteration in Marshall, NC. Known for its tamper-resistant methodology, this testing method ensures that the integrity of the sample remains intact, thus guaranteeing reliable and indisputable results.
With convenient testing locations nationwide and specific sites in Marshall, NC, our services ensure accessible and straightforward drug testing experiences for all clients. The extensive reach of our network permits swift service provision, eliminating hassle and ensuring ease of access.
The hair follicle testing process in Marshall, NC, is simple and confidential. The straightforward procedure of ordering tests, sample taking, and receiving results is designed to maintain privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing common concerns regarding confidentiality.
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing both affordable and efficient in Marshall, NC. The combination of reasonable costs and quick results offers excellent value for businesses of all scales, providing peace of mind and facilitating swift decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift, accurate, and reliable results in Marshall, NC, offering unparalleled precision in substance use detection. The cutting-edge processes involved ensure that results are both rapidly generated and highly dependable, which makes them ideal for urgent testing requirements. The accuracy of these tests reduces uncertainties, offering businesses and individuals a higher degree of confidence in the findings.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Marshall, NC, offers employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, ensuring a safe work environment. It reduces potential legal risks and affirms the company's commitment to safety and compliance.
