Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When extracted near the scalp, hair samples can offer an approximately 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, making it challenging to tamper with, and the samples are straightforward to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hairs (equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal procedures in laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any manual data input not captured by electronic custody systems.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug use. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be suitable for legal proceedings. Any specimens with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a specimen test presumptively positive during Screening, additional strands are taken from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirming any positive findings from Screening involves techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All specimens with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 requirements.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle evaluations", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicular unit beneath the surface
In Northwest, NC, hair follicle testing shines compared to traditional urine tests. Its primary advantage is superior detection accuracy. While urine tests have a shorter detection window, hair tests can detect drug use over a longer period, providing more reliable insight into substance history. This increased accuracy makes hair testing the preferred choice in various settings.
Hair follicle testing in Northwest, NC, offers an extended detection window up to 90 days, making it an invaluable tool for employers. This test provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, presenting a broader picture compared to other testing methods. The extended window highlights the effectiveness of hair testing in offering in-depth insights.
One significant advantage of hair follicle tests in Northwest, NC, is their tamper-resistant nature. This method greatly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring the results are both reliable and unquestionable. Compared to other testing methods, hair tests are less susceptible to manipulation, reinforcing their credibility for accurate testing outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Northwest, NC. Our expansive network allows for quick, hassle-free access to our services, making it easy for individuals and employers to conduct tests. This extensive reach ensures that no matter where you are, high-quality testing is always accessible.
The process for hair follicle testing in Northwest, NC, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are streamlined to prioritize user privacy and ease. This straightforward approach addresses concerns and ensures a stress-free experience, from start to finish, for everyone involved.
In Northwest, NC, hair follicle testing stands out with its affordable pricing and rapid turnaround. Our competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes, while quick result delivery provides peace of mind. We offer excellent value, making high-quality testing accessible without breaking the bank.
The hair follicle drug test in Northwest, NC, is renowned for its impeccable speed and accuracy. This method provides rapid, precise detection of substance use, offering results that are both quick and reliable, ensuring dependable outcomes.
With cutting-edge technology, these tests deliver trustworthy results, making hair testing an effective choice over other methods.
Employers in Northwest, NC, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By utilizing this method, organizations ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal challenges, and enhancing workplace safety. The integration of hair testing promotes a secure working environment, benefiting both employers and employees alike.
