Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair's fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around three months for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches from around 200 strands of hair (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When we reference head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within the laboratory system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening constitutes an initial swift examination for drugs of misuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample registers as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair Follicle Testing vs Urine Testing
In Skippers Corner, NC, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways.
Superior Detection with Hair Tests
The innovative hair testing process provides a better detection range, ensuring that substance use is identified accurately and reliably.
In Skippers Corner, NC, the essential factor in hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it reviews drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This longer detection grant companies thorough insights into their employees' or applicants’ substance use history.
Employers in Skippers Corner, NC, appreciate the benefits that the extended detection window provides. It offers a broader scope of understanding individual habits over a more extended period, enabling informed decision-making in workplace scenarios.
Reducing the risk of sample tampering is a significant advantage of hair follicle drug testing in Skippers Corner, NC. Unlike other testing methods, the collection process for hair is observed, which minimizes opportunities for invalid samples or falsified test results.
Residents in Skippers Corner value the secure nature of hair follicle tests. Its tamper-proof qualities ensure that the results remain trustworthy and undeniable, crucial for maintaining integrity in various testing situations.
With numerous testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient options in Skippers Corner, NC. Accessible locations ensure that one can swiftly perform necessary tests without hassle, providing a stress-free experience.
The convenience is unparalleled with nationwide access to our centers, including Skippers Corner. Quick and hassle-free, individuals and businesses can achieve testing solutions right in their local area.
The process of undergoing hair follicle testing in Skippers Corner, NC, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, it ensures privacy throughout. This seamless approach addresses the user's need for security and straightforward procedures.
Residents find comfort in the confidential testing process. Skippers Corner's straightforward techniques ensure that individuals feel at ease while maintaining discretion in their testing activities.
In Skippers Corner, NC, hair follicle testing offers affordable and efficient service with rapid turnarounds. Companies benefit from competitive pricing structures, knowing they receive excellent value without compromising on quality.
Our pricing strategy is designed to suit businesses of all sizes. In addition to affordability, Skippers Corner appreciates the fast result times, aiding in timely decision-making without budget strains.
Hair follicle tests offer precise and quick outcomes for residents in Skippers Corner, NC. These assessments boast a high level of accuracy, offering a comprehensive measure of an individual's substance usage. The rapid and reliable detection helps in making informed decisions quickly.
Residents benefit from the superior accuracy of hair testing methods available in Skippers Corner. By detecting even trace amounts of drugs efficiently, this method provides confidence in the results delivered swiftly to meet various needs.
For Skippers Corner employers, hair follicle testing secures compliance with drug-free policies vital for maintaining workplace safety. The ability to detect drug use over extended periods minimizes legal risks and solidifies safe operational environments.
Employers in Skippers Corner gain peace of mind knowing that the drug-testing process is thorough and complies with all necessary standards. This approach reduces potential liabilities and ensures a well-monitored, drug-free workplace.