Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The recognition of hair testing as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol intake has grown significantly. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and conveniently transportable.
Gathering a 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a standard pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG enhancements or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is recommended to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to hair from the scalp, while "body hair" encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial stage, integrating a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This phase includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and delivery, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any outstanding data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening offers an expedited preliminary check for substances of abuse. While it presents a budget-friendly option to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive results during Screening must be verified for legal admissibility. Those samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial submission and prepared for Extraction. At this juncture, drug compounds are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive outcomes from Screening are authenticated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and does not involve the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Princeton, NC, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests provide a much longer and consistent history of substance use, ensuring more dependable results for employers and individuals alike.
Employers in Princeton, NC gain invaluable insights from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days past, these tests offer a thorough view of an individual's substance history, aiding employers in making informed and confident hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Princeton, NC, offer a robust tamper-resistant solution. Compared to other methods, the difficulty of adulterating hair samples ensures the results remain trustworthy and genuine, making them a preferred choice for those requiring accurate outcomes.
Navigating drug testing needs is seamless with our extensive network of testing centers. Princeton, NC, benefits from these widespread facilities, ensuring quick and accessible testing options that remove the hassle and delay, providing convenience to all clients.
In Princeton, NC, the hair follicle testing process emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the streamlined procedure addresses privacy concerns, ensuring user-friendly and stress-free experiences for all involved.
For businesses in Princeton, NC, our hair follicle testing boasts competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. These elements deliver excellent value, ensuring companies, regardless of size, receive dependable and cost-effective testing services.
In Princeton, NC, the hair follicle drug test offers unparalleled precision and swiftness. Its high accuracy level provides a reliable measure of substance use detection, ensuring that individuals receive their results quickly and efficiently. This method has become indispensable for those seeking dependable testing outcomes.
For employers in Princeton, NC, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. By reinforcing a secure work environment, it provides peace of mind through its consistent application and effectiveness.
