Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective mechanism for identifying substance use. Hair acts as a long-term library for alcohol and drugs, storing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month history of alcohol and drug consumption. It is also easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 hairs (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample for examination and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We advise using a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a lab drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s workflow, which entails ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that an e-chain custody system doesn’t cover.
Screening is an initial, rapid assessment for drug use. While it helps economically exclude drug consumption in most cases, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show potential positivity in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pisgah Forest, NC, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine testing for several reasons. Its extended detection period surpasses the limitations of urine tests, identifying substance use up to 90 days prior.
Benefits of Hair Follicle Testing
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Pisgah Forest, NC, offers significant advantages. It tracks drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which only cover a few days.
This prolonged period gives a detailed history of substance use, crucial for employers evaluating potential hires or monitoring current employees.
Such comprehensive insights allow for informed decisions, enhancing safety and compliance in workplaces by providing a complete view of an individual's drug habits.
In Pisgah Forest, NC, hair follicle testing significantly reduces the chances of sample tampering, offering dependable results. Its collection process is observed, making manipulation nearly impossible.
This test's strength lies in its resilience against common cheating methods seen in urine testing, such as sample dilution or substitution.
Employers can trust the integrity of results, knowing hair follicle tests provide an accurate reflection of a person's drug use history.
Testing services in Pisgah Forest, NC, are conveniently accessible with our nationwide and local centers. Easy access and quick services make the process hassle-free.
Our centers provide a wide network, enabling fast and efficient testing for all individuals and organizations.
Whether you're a resident or business, our extensive network ensures testing is never far or difficult to access, enhancing convenience and ease for all clients.
The process for hair follicle testing in Pisgah Forest, NC, is simple, efficient, and confidential. Clients can order tests, provide samples, and receive results without complications.
Our focus on confidentiality protects client privacy, offering peace of mind throughout the testing process.
From start to finish, the user-friendly process ensures ease, providing all information securely and timely while keeping individuals comfortable.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Pisgah Forest, NC, make our hair follicle testing an excellent value for companies of all sizes.
Clients benefit from competitive rates without compromising quality or accuracy.
The combination of fair pricing and swift results makes these tests a smart choice for businesses seeking reliable drug screening solutions without breaking the bank.
In Pisgah Forest, NC, hair follicle drug tests provide speedy and precise results, setting a high standard in substance detection. Their efficiency allows for quick turnaround without compromising on accuracy.
Clients receive detailed reports promptly, ensuring that decisions are based on the most accurate data available, promoting trust and reliability.
With unparalleled precision, hair testing identifies substance use accurately, ensuring no drug use goes undetected.
Relying on advanced technology, these tests consistently yield reliable results, building confidence among employers and clients alike.
Employers in Pisgah Forest, NC, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing to maintain workplace safety and compliance. This method aids in meeting drug-free policies effectively.
By using hair testing, employers minimize legal risks and foster a safer work environment.
The assurance that results are accurate and tamper-proof ensures adherence to workplace policies, contributing to a secure and productive workspace for everyone involved.