Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers in their fibers, providing a prolonged history of substance use. Sampling hair close to the scalp can yield a detection window of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair is viable. In context, head hair indicates scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug tests comprises four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates sample processing within a laboratory’s system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical methodology to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be defensible in legal settings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ocracoke, NC
Hair testing provides superior detection capability and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. It accurately reflects historical drug use and is difficult to manipulate, making it a trusted option for many organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Ocracoke, NC
With the ability to detect drug use over a span of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers a detailed view into an individual's substance history, ensuring better-informed hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ocracoke, NC
Hair follicle testing significantly lowers the possibility of sample adulteration. This testing method provides dependable results that are hard to dispute, ensuring unbiased and accurate findings each time.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ocracoke, NC
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including local options, provides easy access to quick and convenient testing, relieving any logistical concerns for employers and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ocracoke, NC
The process of ordering and completing a hair follicle test is streamlined and private, ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout, while results are swiftly gathered and provided.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ocracoke, NC
Our competitive pricing and prompt result delivery ensure great value for all businesses. This efficiency allows organizations to manage budgets effectively while maintaining rigorous testing standards.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ocracoke, NC
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed, ensuring results that accurately reflect past substance use. The high accuracy makes it a preferred choice for detecting drug use, providing clear and reliable outcomes swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ocracoke, NC
Employers gain the assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal challenges, supporting a safer and more productive work environment.
