Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, it provides a prolonged record of alcohol and various drugs. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use up to a roughly 3-month period. This method is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, deemed the perfect sample for both screening and verification. For higher specificity such as EtG, supplementary tests, or beyond 10-panel tests, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in laboratories encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This step entails confirming the sample's secure sealing and correct dispatch, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entries that an electronic chain of custody system might lack.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug usage. It is an economical approach to exclude drug use for most samples; however, a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal acceptability. Those samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate additional validation.
When a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most meticulous methodology to execute.
Positive screening outcomes are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive specimens undergo washing precedently to confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory routine from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification along with the compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these evaluations assess the hair strand, not the follicle embedded within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Reidsville, NC: Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. It offers a longer window for identifying drug use, enhancing reliability.
The detection capabilities of hair tests are unmatched, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance history over an extended period.
Extended Detection Window in Reidsville, NC: One of the substantial benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. This provides employers with a broader perspective on a person's substance history.
By offering a longer detection window, hair tests allow for more informed decisions, offering a holistic view of an employee's habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Reidsville, NC: Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This ensures results are reliable and beyond doubt.
Its inherent resistance to adulteration makes hair testing an indisputably credible method, upholding the integrity of the process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Reidsville, NC: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures ease of access while maintaining high standards of service.
Accessible testing locations nationwide and locally in Reidsville, NC, provide convenient and efficient testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Reidsville, NC: Our testing process is designed to prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, client privacy is assured at every step.
The straightforward approach ensures ease of use, addressing privacy concerns while delivering accurate outcomes efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Reidsville, NC: Our competitive pricing models and swift result delivery offer excellent value. We cater to companies of all sizes, providing cost-effective solutions.
By focusing on affordability and prompt service, we enhance the overall value and assurance for our clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Reidsville, NC: Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their precision and speed. These tests deliver highly accurate results, essential for reliably detecting substance use.
In Reidsville, NC, our advanced hair testing technology ensures that results are not only fast but also trustworthy, offering the best solutions for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Reidsville, NC: Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety.
Employers benefit from the compliance assurance and peace of mind that comes with reliable testing practices.
