Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for pinpointing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over an approximate three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp ensures 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equal portion of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's sealed and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes substance use in most samples, positive screenings need confirmation for legal admissibility. Any Screening-presumptive positives demand further confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lesser concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any Screening-positive result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens undergo necessary cleansing before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these actually assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pinnacle, NC Hair tests offer distinct advantages over urine testing, primarily due to their superior detection range and reliability. While urine tests capture recent use, hair tests detect substance use for up to 90 days. This broad detection period enables an extensive overview of an individual's drug use history, proving critical for employers and legal entities requiring detailed insights.
Extended Detection Window in Pinnacle, NC Hair follicle testing provides an elongated detection window of up to 90 days, substantially more than traditional methods. This extended period is invaluable for employers committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace, allowing them to examine an individual's long-term substance use patterns accurately and efficiently, ensuring a safe environment at work.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pinnacle, NC The intrinsic properties of hair follicle testing significantly minimize the likelihood of tampering, ensuring the authenticity of results. Unlike other methods, hair samples are difficult to alter or substitute, providing employers and authorities with trustable data that upholds the integrity of the testing process, reducing uncertainties and legal complications.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pinnacle, NC The accessibility of our testing centers nationwide, including the Pinnacle location, ensures seamless and straightforward testing experiences. Our wide-reaching network enables quick and hassle-free appointments, providing individuals and employers with convenient access to essential testing services without delay or complexity.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pinnacle, NC The procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, catering to personal and corporate needs. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, the process emphasizes confidentiality and ease, eliminating concerns over privacy and ensuring stress-free participation for all clients and participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pinnacle, NC Our competitive pricing structures are combined with rapid turnaround times, offering substantial value to companies, regardless of size. This affordability, coupled with swift results, allows businesses to make informed decisions in a timely manner, enhancing efficiency and providing peace of mind in maintaining workplace standards.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pinnacle, NC Hair follicle testing stands out with its exceptional speed and precision. This method is renowned for its accuracy in detecting a wide range of substances, providing a reliable analysis for both recent and long-term use. The expeditious nature of these tests ensures timely and accurate results, making them a preferred choice in various legal and employment settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pinnacle, NC Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with compliance standards of workplace drug-free policies, vital for organizational integrity. This approach mitigates legal risks, augments workplace safety, and facilitates smoother operations, offering employers assurance and fostering a healthier, more productive workforce, thereby enhancing organizational reputation.
