Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption has gained traction. Hair serves as a repository for long-term substance usage, trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer insight into alcohol and drug use over a period of up to about three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, making it challenging to tamper with and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirming results. For tests involving EtG, additional analytes, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is suggested to collect 150mg of the sample. Utilize a jeweler’s scale to ensure accurate measurement of the sample weight. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of hair from the body can be used. References to head hair imply hair from the scalp exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses all other types of hair such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
There are four primary components in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the introductory processing of a sample within a lab's framework. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any necessary data entries not facilitated through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial inspection for substance abuse. Though cost-effective for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples with preliminary positive results in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Samples with presumptive positives at the Screening stage undergo further preparation for Extraction by pulling additional hair from the initial sample. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the most challenging approach to execute.
The Confirmation of any preliminary positive outcomes employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives undergo a washing process as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the standards of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concentrates on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Midway Park, NC, one advantage of hair follicle tests over traditional urine tests is their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests which detect recent use, hair tests provide a more extended detection period offering a clearer picture of an individual's substance use habits. Hair testing reduces the likelihood of false negatives and increases detection reliability, making it a preferred choice for employers with strict drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in Midway Park, NC, allows employers to examine drug use over an extended timeline of up to 90 days, unlike standard testing methods. This comprehensive detection window offers insights into an individual’s substance use history, making it invaluable for employers seeking to ensure a drug-free environment. Provided with such extensive temporal coverage, businesses can make well-informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle tests provide a major advantage due to their tamper-resistant qualities. In Midway Park, NC, this testing method greatly minimizes the danger of sample adulteration when compared to other methods like urine testing. By offering reliable and incontestable results, employers and organizations can confidently implement strict drug testing policies knowing that the risk of cheating is significantly curbed.
In Midway Park, NC, the convenience of our testing locations cannot be overstated. With a network of facilities across all states, getting a hair follicle drug test is quick and hassle-free. Whether you are local or in another city, our widespread centers make it easy to access testing services without prolonged wait times, promoting a smooth process from start to finish.
Ordering a hair follicle drug test in Midway Park, NC, involves a straightforward, confidential process. Ensuring privacy and ease of use, the procedure from test ordering to obtaining results is streamlined. Clients can rest assured that sensitive information remains confidential, making this testing solution appealing for individuals and organizations alike, prioritizing discretion and simplicity.
In Midway Park, NC, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing along with fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with rapid results, our testing solutions provide peace of mind and financial efficiency, an offering that stands out for its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
The hair follicle drug tests in Midway Park, NC, are designed to provide prompt and highly accurate results. With precision being of utmost importance, these tests showcase a remarkable ability to detect substance use with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring reliable outcomes and quick turnaround times.
In a fast-paced environment, having accurate data swiftly is invaluable, and hair testing offers just that for both individuals and companies alike.
Employers in Midway Park, NC, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which bolsters compliance with workplace drug policies. These tests mitigate legal risks and promote a safer, more productive work environment. By ensuring rigorous adherence to drug-free workplace mandates, employers can maintain a compliant, respectful, and lawful setting for all employees.
