Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as a formidable method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, hard to falsify, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional items, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is recommended. It’s advisable to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial quick check for drugs commonly abused. While Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is positive in the Screening phase, more hair is sourced from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower density than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
A positive screening needs confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as positive undergo washing pre-confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis engages the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rutherfordton, NC
With superior detection capabilities, hair follicle testing offers a significant edge over urine tests. Its extensive detection window and reliability make it an unmatched choice for precise assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Rutherfordton, NC
Hair follicle testing presents a detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough insight into an applicant or employee's drug use history, fostering informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rutherfordton, NC
Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results. This resilience to adulteration makes it a preferred choice for accurate assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rutherfordton, NC
Our widespread testing centers offer convenience, ensuring quick and easy access to testing services nationwide, so you can test without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rutherfordton, NC
Our straightforward, private testing process allows you to order, test, and receive results effortlessly, maintaining confidentiality at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rutherfordton, NC
We provide competitive pricing with rapid test results, delivering exceptional value and prompt feedback for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rutherfordton, NC
Experience the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing. Known for its unmatched accuracy, this method excels in identifying substance use, providing results swiftly without compromising on reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rutherfordton, NC
Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and boosting safety, providing peace of mind for employers.
