Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. They offer a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When the sample is taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Collection is uncomplicated, tampering is somewhat challenging, and the sample can be easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a standard #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is suitable for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of incorporating a sample into the lab’s system, comprising checking that it is appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a quick preliminary inspection for substance abuse. While it serves as a cost-effective method to rule out drug use for most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples that test positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a Screening result is positive, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this step, substances are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than in alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing presents significant challenges.
Confirmation of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests actually analyze the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
In Middlesex, NC, hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests by providing an extensive detection window, capturing drug use that occurred months prior. This advantage makes it indispensable for employers prioritizing accuracy.
Hair testing is known for its exceptional reliability. Through longer detection periods and reduced chances of tampering, it delivers a comprehensive substance use profile, ensuring accurate results every time.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Middlesex, NC is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, it can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering a detailed overview of an individual’s substance history.
Employers favor hair testing as it presents a comprehensive look at an employee or applicant’s drug use, ensuring informed decision-making driven by a reliable assessment of past substance exposure.
Hair follicle tests in Middlesex, NC are renowned for their tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other methods, it's nearly impossible for individuals to alter the sample, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
With a process that sidelines the risk of adulteration, hair testing furnishes reliable, tamper-proof results, providing peace of mind for entities relying on the integrity of the drug testing results.
In Middlesex, NC, the accessibility of Nationwide testing centers brings unmatched convenience. Our expansive network means quick and effortless access to hair follicle drug testing services, locally and beyond.
This broad reach ensures residents and businesses can easily undergo testing without inconvenience, boasting a streamlined and user-friendly approach to meeting drug testing needs efficiently.
Our hair follicle testing process in Middlesex, NC is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. From ordering to receiving results, it remains straightforward and private throughout every stage.
Clients can rest assured knowing that their privacy is a priority, enjoying a seamless process that respects user confidentiality. The ease of use further fosters peace of mind for all involved participants.
Our competitive pricing and quick processing times for hair follicle testing in Middlesex, NC offer remarkable value. Businesses can access affordable solutions without compromising on quality.
With fast turnaround and cost-effective pricing structures, our services are tailored to meet the needs of companies of all sizes, making drug testing both efficient and economically viable.
Hair follicle drug testing in Middlesex, NC is esteemed for its speed and accuracy. Unlike other methods, it offers swift results without compromising on precision, making it an ideal choice when timing matters.
Specialized labs analyze hair samples to quickly determine substance use, offering a reliable snapshot of an individual’s drug history. These tests distinguish themselves by effectively identifying past drug use, standing out as a superior option.
Employers in Middlesex, NC benefit from hair follicle testing by strengthening their adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It not only ensures compliance but also reduces potential legal complications.
By employing this testing method, businesses can boost workplace safety and meet regulatory standards, maintaining a trustworthy and secure working environment which benefits both employers and employees alike.
