Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is increasingly acknowledged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can showcase a prolonged timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to a nearly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, moderately hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab's database. This process includes checking if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation for it to be acceptable in legal settings. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples that test tentatively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug Screening is the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Myrtle Grove, NC
Employers and organizations in Myrtle Grove, NC, appreciate the superior accuracy of hair testing over urine tests. With a more comprehensive detection capability, hair tests provide a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history, making them the preferred choice.
Extended Detection Window in Myrtle Grove, NC
Hair follicle tests in Myrtle Grove, NC, offer an impressive detection period of up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers to gain a complete understanding of an applicant or employee's long-term drug use, offering significant advantages over shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Myrtle Grove, NC
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering in Myrtle Grove, NC. This secure testing method ensures that results are accurate and trustworthy, providing clients with peace of mind and dependable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Myrtle Grove, NC
Our nationwide network of testing centers includes convenient sites in Myrtle Grove, NC, ensuring quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. We make it easy for individuals and employers to fulfill their testing needs seamlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Myrtle Grove, NC
The process for completing a hair follicle test in Myrtle Grove, NC, is straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, the procedure is designed to maintain confidentiality and ease, addressing concerns about privacy and usability.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Myrtle Grove, NC
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair testing in Myrtle Grove, NC. This cost-effective solution provides excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring fast, reliable results without straining budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Myrtle Grove, NC
Hair follicle testing in Myrtle Grove, NC, offers unrivaled speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests are designed to deliver precise results rapidly, ensuring that employers and individuals receive the most reliable data for informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Myrtle Grove, NC
Using hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Myrtle Grove, NC, helping employers minimize legal risks and improve safety. This reliable testing option enhances workplace security and offers peace of mind.
