Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches with around 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and mailed, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial, quick examination for abused drugs. Though an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples showing presumptive positives at this stage necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening shows presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening highly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo a necessary wash before confirmation. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicles beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Raynham, NC
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests when it comes to detection accuracy and reliability. In Raynham, NC, this method is preferred by employers and courts, given its extended window of detection and less susceptibility to manipulation, making it an invaluable tool in maintaining safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Raynham, NC
Hair follicle drug testing in Raynham, NC, offers a significant advantage with its long detection period, up to 90 days. This extended window provides an in-depth look into an individual's drug use history, equipping employers with valuable insights that contribute to informed decision-making and compliance with workplace policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Raynham, NC
In Raynham, NC, hair follicle tests reduce the likelihood of sample tampering significantly. By providing results that are difficult to falsify, these tests ensure that employers and legal officials can depend on the authenticity and accuracy of the findings, reducing doubts and instilling trust in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Raynham, NC
Our testing centers, spread across the nation, including Raynham, NC, offer unrivaled convenience. Accessible and easy to use, they ensure that individuals and employers can have hair follicle tests conducted swiftly and without hassle, reinforcing our commitment to premium service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Raynham, NC
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Raynham, NC
In Raynham, NC, we pride ourselves on providing competitive prices paired with swift turnaround times. This combination not only assures savings but also offers companies exceptional value and confidence, irrespective of their size, making us the preferred choice for drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Raynham, NC
In Raynham, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and rapidity. Offering high accuracy, these tests ensure the correct detection of substance use, addressing the core needs of employers and legal entities. Their reliability and detailed analyses foster confidence in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Raynham, NC
