Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a protracted historical record of drug and alcohol usage by capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing fiber. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it offers roughly a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and can be shipped conveniently.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests involving more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. By scalp hair, we mean head hair only, while body hair indicates all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for abused drugs. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to hold up in court. Samples that test presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples presuming positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples testing presumptive positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed based on the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Middleburg, NC, the benefits of hair follicle testing over urine tests are clear. Hair testing offers superior accuracy across its extended detection period.
The reliability of hair tests surpasses urine tests, making it the preferred choice for many.
One of the main advantages of hair follicle drug testing in Middleburg, NC, is its extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days.
This provides employers a comprehensive view of past substance use habits, presenting a clearer picture compared to shorter window tests like urine kits.
The extended detection is crucial for businesses seeking clarity on employee sobriety.
Hair follicle testing in Middleburg, NC, significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering. Its collection is usually observed, reducing the chance of adulterated samples.
This test method ensures reliable, untarnished results, offering assurance to both employers and testing facilities.
Middleburg, NC residents benefit from our nationwide network of testing centers, offering tremendous convenience.
Finding a nearby facility is simple, ensuring effortless access to required testing services.
Our drug testing process in Middleburg, NC, is both straightforward and confidential, ensuring ease from start to finish.
Order, collect, and receive results with minimal steps, while maintaining the highest privacy standards.
Our competitive pricing in Middleburg, NC makes drug testing affordable while ensuring high-quality service and quick results.
With fast turnaround times, companies enjoy excellent value and confidence, no matter their size.
In Middleburg, NC, hair follicle drug tests offer impressive precision and speed. These tests excel in accurately identifying substance use.
Employers benefit from quick turnaround times, ensuring efficient decision-making.
Using advanced methods, hair follicle tests deliver quick and reliable results, offering peace of mind and assurance for both testers and results recipients.
For employers in Middleburg, NC, hair follicle drug tests support compliance with workplace drug-free policies effectively.
This minimizes legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety by confirming adherence to zero-tolerance stances.
The peace of mind offered by these tests fortifies the comprehensive safety strategy businesses employ.
