Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective tool for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands’ fibers during growth. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily altered, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil’s diameter) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be submitted. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results includes four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample’s initial integration into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system didn’t cover.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, confirming positive results is necessary for them to be acceptable in legal contexts. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All provisional positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
South Rosemary, NC, benefits from adopting hair follicle testing over urine tests. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, identifying long-term drug use with ease and efficiency. Unlike urine tests, which may only uncover recent use, hair tests unveil a broader history of substance intake. Employers prefer this reliability, knowing hair testing can reveal hidden patterns of abuse, ultimately supporting safer and more secure workplaces.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in South Rosemary, NC, allows employers to glean comprehensive insights into substance use over a 90-day period. This extensive timeframe is invaluable for assessing a candidate or employee's history, showcasing an honest portrayal of their lifestyle habits. With hair testing, employers receive meticulous results, offering reassurance in hiring decisions while safeguarding workplace integrity.
In South Rosemary, NC, ensuring tamper-proof testing methods is a priority, and hair follicle tests excel in this aspect. The difficulty of altering hair samples means reduced risk of tampering and greater confidence in results. With substances embedded into the hair, the integrity of the sample remains secure, providing testers with results that are both trustworthy and conclusive, all while mitigating potential deceit and manipulation.
South Rosemary, NC offers the flexibility of convenient nationwide testing locations. Our network of centers ensures that test-takers enjoy hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services. Local availability emphasizes quick and efficient service, eliminating lengthy travel needs. With streamlined processes, individuals are assured prompt and effortless testing experiences no matter where they are.
In South Rosemary, NC, the process from ordering to result reception of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. This ensures test-takers experience ease of use, all the while safeguarding their privacy. Detailed, yet straightforward procedures provide clarity, allowing individuals to confidently navigate the testing steps without concern for complexity or confidentiality breaches, resulting in a reassuring overall experience.
In South Rosemary, NC, we deliver competitively priced hair follicle testing, featuring rapid turnaround times. Our affordable pricing structures cater to businesses of all sizes, promising high value and cost-effectiveness. Quick processing ensures minimal delays, providing companies the assurance of timely and precise results. This efficient service confirms our commitment to accessible, reliable drug testing.
In South Rosemary, NC, the precision of hair follicle drug tests delivers fast and accurate results. Hair testing detects substance use with unparalleled accuracy, surpassing traditional methods. Because substances integrate into hair shafts, results are consistent and reliable, offering peace of mind to testers. The swift analysis means minimal wait time for outcomes, ensuring timely decisions can be made regarding employment and compliance.
For employers in South Rosemary, NC, hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind. Implementing this testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, essential for ensuring safety and reducing legal liabilities. Hair testing’s comprehensive insights ensure employers meet regulatory standards, thus promoting a robust drug-free culture and enhancing overall workplace harmony and security.
