Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers capture biomarkers from drugs over time, offering a historical record of drug use in the growing hair strand. When hair samples are cut close to the scalp, they can provide a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, adulteration is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample close to 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 strands (resembles a #2 pencil in size) right next to the scalp is ideal, giving 100mg for screenings and confirmations. For EtG, extra tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's best to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, equal body hair quantities can be used. Note that 'head hair' strictly implies scalp hair while 'body hair' encompasses facial, axillary hair, etc.
Process Overview
The key processes in laboratory analysis of drug tests include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial stage of processing a sample within a lab environment. It verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes additional data input if the electronic chain of custody system provides none.
Screening is a preliminary inspection for potential drug misuse. Though Screening economically eliminates most drug usage in many samples, positive findings require confirmation for legal admissibility. All presumptive positives from Screening demand further confirmation tests.
Should Screening indicate a presumptive positive outcome, more hair gets prepared from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods, like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug testing considerably intricate to perform.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies conduct the necessary Confirmation of positive Screening results. Presumptive positives undergo washing before Confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab processes are evaluated under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation, adhering to the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Salem, NC
Hair follicle tests offer several advantages over urine tests in Salem, NC. They boast a significantly longer detection window, providing a more comprehensive analysis of potential substance use. Furthermore, the reliability and accuracy of hair tests outmatch traditional urine tests, making them the preferred choice for employers enforcing stringent drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Salem, NC
In Salem, NC, hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days—offers employers invaluable insight into an individual's drug history. This prolonged detection window allows for a thorough evaluation of an applicant or employee's substance use, ensuring that employers have a complete picture when making hiring or retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Salem, NC
Hair follicle tests in Salem, NC, are recognized for their resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, these tests are difficult to adulterate, providing robust and unquestionable results. This integrity makes hair testing a reliable choice for employers seeking to maintain strict drug policies without the concern of sample manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Salem, NC
Simple, Confidential Process in Salem, NC
In Salem, NC, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. Clients can easily order tests, with sample collection conducted discreetly to ensure privacy. Results are delivered with confidentiality in mind, addressing privacy concerns and enhancing ease of use, making the testing experience straightforward and stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Salem, NC
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Salem, NC, delivers excellent value. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, our services guarantee efficiency and affordability. This balance makes it an attractive option for companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective drug testing solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Salem, NC
Hair follicle drug testing in Salem, NC, provides results with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Known for its superior precision, this method can reliably identify drug use, offering peace of mind with each test conducted. The swift processing ensures that results are returned quickly, enabling timely decision-making for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Salem, NC
For employers in Salem, NC, employing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It enhances safety and mitigates legal risks, providing peace of mind through reliable results. Employers can confidently enforce their drug and alcohol policies knowing they are supported by a robust testing framework.
