Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair embeds biomarkers within the fibers as it grows, thus providing a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drug use. Sampling hair near the scalp can offer about a three-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, modification is challenging, and transport is uncomplicated.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both preliminary analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent level of body hair may be used instead. Scalps refer specifically to head hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Four core steps are foundational to processing drug test outcomes in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a specimen into the laboratory's system. This process includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary analysis aimed at detecting substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug usage for many samples, confirmation is necessary for any positive screen to be valid in judicial proceedings. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those detectable in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is executed through methods including GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 competence standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In contrast to the traditional urine tests, hair follicle drug testing in River Bend, NC, provides unmatched accuracy and dependability. Hair tests surpass urine tests by identifying drug use over an extended timeframe. This method is ideal for scenarios demanding zero-tolerance, capturing a wider window of exposure to substances and thereby eliminating the uncertainty of recent usage.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in River Bend, NC, allows insights into drug use spanning up to 90 days, offering a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history. For employers, this broader detection span is invaluable for evaluating potential hires or monitoring current employees, ensuring informed decisions are made regarding workplace substance policies.
Hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant solution in River Bend, NC, drastically minimizing the potential for sample adulteration. This testing method ensures reliability and trustworthiness, providing unquestionable results. It addresses a significant concern for employers looking to uphold the integrity of their drug testing protocols.
With conveniently located testing centers across the nation, including River Bend, NC, accessing drug testing services is both quick and straightforward. Our widespread facilities ensure stress-free and expedited testing processes, allowing individuals and employers to conduct tests without hassle or delay.
In River Bend, NC, the drug testing process is made easy and confidential. Individuals can order, undergo testing, and receive results seamlessly, while privacy concerns are thoroughly addressed. The hassle-free process ensures an efficient experience, maintaining confidentiality at every stage.
River Bend, NC, benefits from cost-effective pricing on hair follicle tests, combined with rapid result turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure provides excellent value for businesses of varying sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising the quality of the service.
The hair follicle drug test offers quick and precise results, ensuring individuals in River Bend, NC, can rely on its high accuracy. This method detects substance use with remarkable precision, minimizing delays and bolstering confidence in the outcomes. With technology that pinpoints even trace amounts of drugs, hair tests lead the way in rapid and exact detection.
Employers in River Bend, NC, benefit from hair follicle tests as they enable compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safe working environment. This method not only mitigates risks but also fosters peace of mind, assuring employers that strict standards are upheld.
