Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When procured near the scalp, it can reflect substance use over a period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, reasonably tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing. For EtG assessments and tests exceeding 10 panels, a minimum of 150mg is preferable. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is suggested. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (face, underarms, etc.).
Process Overview
The sequence of laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result embraces four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning primarily focuses on situating the sample in the lab's system. This step verifies the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for substance misuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to discount drug use in most samples, any positive result must undergo Confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results need further verification.
When Screening indicates potential substance presence, more hair is obtained from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated at much lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair testing.
For Confirmation of any positive results, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before Confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) specifications for hair and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Norlina, NC, the former excels in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a broader detection window, reaching up to 90 days, unlike urine tests.
Employers and agencies prefer hair tests for their zero-tolerance policies due to these tests' ability to identify long-term substance use, which is crucial for maintaining a drug-free workforce.
In Norlina, NC, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a distinct advantage, as it allows for monitoring drug use over a span that can reach 90 days.
This comprehensive detection period provides employers with valuable insights into an individual’s substance use history, making it a prudent choice for evaluating potential employees or maintaining workforce integrity.
The hair follicle testing method significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering in Norlina, NC, ensuring the authenticity of test results.
Its observed collection process and the biological nature of hair samples make it nearly immune to adulteration, providing reliable and unquestionable results, giving employers confidence in their drug testing programs.
Our testing centers' wide reach, including local sites in Norlina, NC, guarantees easy and hassle-free access.
With our nationwide and local presence, businesses can swiftly connect with testing services, facilitating a straightforward and quick testing experience for all involved parties.
In Norlina, NC, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use.
The seamless process—from ordering the test to gathering and receiving results—upholds confidentiality, fostering trust and convenience for individuals and organizations alike.
In Norlina, NC, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing, with a fast turnaround time delivering outstanding value.
These cost-effective solutions alongside swift service bolster confidence in our offerings, meeting the needs of companies of all sizes by ensuring substantial value without comprimising on quality.
In Norlina, NC, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method ensures high precision in identifying substance use.
By utilizing advanced techniques, these tests provide precise and expedient outcomes, affirming their accuracy in detecting drug use, enhancing trust for businesses and institutions in their testing mechanisms.
Employers in Norlina, NC gain peace of mind and comply with drug-free workplace regulations through hair follicle testing.
This method diminishes legal liabilities while enhancing workplace safety, aligning with organizational policies designed to ensure a drug-free environment, thereby supporting a secure and productive workforce.
