Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches long comprising around 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean the scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves these four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed within a lab system. This stage checks if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for drug abuse. While it is an economical means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation step.
If a sample comes back presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Mulberry, NC reveals clear advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair tests can identify drug use over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive history of substance use.
One standout feature of hair follicle testing in Mulberry, NC is its extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, this method gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, offering a holistic view for better decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Mulberry, NC reduce the risk of sample adulteration significantly. This tamper-resistant testing method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, providing peace of mind that the results truly reflect the individual's substance use without alterations.
In Mulberry, NC, the convenience of having nationwide and local testing centers ensures that accessing testing services is quick, easy, and free of hassle. This strategic placement allows for greater accessibility, defining a user-friendly service experience for clients across the country.
The process for hair follicle testing in Mulberry, NC is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, the privacy of individuals is prioritized, ensuring that concerns regarding confidentiality and ease of use are effectively addressed.
In Mulberry, NC, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing provide affordable solutions to companies of all sizes. This cost-effective approach offers excellent value, supporting businesses in maintaining drug-free environments efficiently.
In Mulberry, NC, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their remarkable precision and speedy results. High accuracy in detecting substance use is a hallmark of this method, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable. Employers can trust this testing method for its unparalleled truthfulness.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Mulberry, NC, companies can ensure they maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. This approach fosters peace of mind for employers committed to upholding professional standards.
