Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longitudinal record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. A sample taken near the scalp offers a detection period extending up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair; body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is incorporated into a laboratory's system. It ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any necessary data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary examination to check for drugs of abuse. While it provides an economical method to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screening result must be validated for legal proceedings. Any samples marked presumptively positive at the Screening stage require a further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples flagged as presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory cycle, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle itself.
In Pinetops, NC, hair follicle testing is increasingly recognized as superior to urine tests. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a longer detection period and significantly reduce the risk of cheating. This makes hair testing an excellent option for employers in Pinetops, NC aiming for reliable results.
Hair follicle testing in Pinetops, NC, boasts better accuracy with a longer detection window, extending over 90 days. In contrast, urine tests are suitable for detecting recent drug use, but hair tests offer comprehensive insights into an individual’s substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Pinetops, NC, offers an extended detection window, capturing drug usage up to 90 days prior. This expansive timeframe provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, going beyond the capabilities of other testing methods.
Employers in Pinetops, NC, benefit from hair follicle tests' ability to reveal a comprehensive substance history over several months. This extended detection window aids in making more informed decisions based on long-term substance use patterns.
In Pinetops, NC, the hair follicle test is preferred for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests provide reliable results that are difficult to falsify, ensuring authenticity and confidence in the findings.
The integrity of hair follicle testing makes it a trusted method in Pinetops, NC. Its resistance to adulteration ensures that results are dependable, offering peace of mind to employers who require unaltered and verifiable substance use data.
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including in Pinetops, NC, offers convenience and accessibility. With facilities in multiple locations, accessing our drug testing services is quick and hassle-free for everyone needing reliable results.
Pinetops, NC, residents benefit from our nationwide presence, ensuring that drug testing is within reach. The convenience of local testing locations eliminates the stress of travel, aiding in easy access and smooth testing processes.
The hair follicle testing process in Pinetops, NC, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease, ensuring that users experience a seamless and discreet process.
In Pinetops, NC, our hassle-free process for hair follicle testing guarantees confidentiality. Clients can order, take the test, and receive results with confidence in their privacy, enhancing their overall testing experience.
We offer affordable pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing in Pinetops, NC. Our competitive rates provide exceptional value, ensuring that companies of all sizes receive quality service without financial strain.
Our pricing structures in Pinetops, NC, are designed to meet diverse financial needs. By offering budget-friendly and efficient services, we deliver excellent value and ensure fast results in hair drug testing.
In Pinetops, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their speed and accuracy. These tests offer precise detection of substance usage, surpassing other methods. With quick turnaround times, results are delivered rapidly, aiding employers in maintaining quick decision-making without compromising reliability.
The high accuracy of hair follicle drug tests ensures that substance use is identified with confidence. In Pinetops, NC, this method is trusted for its definitive results, making it a preferred choice for accurate detection and swift reporting.
Employers in Pinetops, NC, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety by providing unquestionable results that align with zero-tolerance standards.
Using hair follicle testing in Pinetops, NC, promotes compliance with workplace policies, providing employers with the assurance of lawful operations. This testing method is instrumental in upholding safety and mitigating potential workplace hazards.
