Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective approach for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair encases a prolonged history of substances and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair's fibers. If acquired near the scalp, hair can cover up to around a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and substances. It's straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp gives 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, extensions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, an equal volume of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any further data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a primary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient strategy to negate drug use among most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive during Screening do demand subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs at this stage are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening poses the most occupational challenge.
Verifying a positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, however, the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing against traditional urine tests in Southern Shores, NC, one finds numerous advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, outshining urine tests. These tests provide a more comprehensive substance use profile over time, unlike urine tests, which only track recent use, thus offering a more thorough evaluation of an individual's drug use history.
In Southern Shores, NC, hair follicle testing offers a robust extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This far-reaching perspective allows employers a more comprehensive look into potential or current employees’ substance habits. By revealing an extended history, hair tests offer invaluable insights that urine tests cannot provide.
Hair follicle tests, available in Southern Shores, NC, are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature, virtually eliminating the risks of sample adulteration. This reliability provides clear, unquestionable results, ensuring the integrity of the testing process while protecting against dishonesty and manipulation, which often accompany other drug testing methods.
In Southern Shores, NC, the convenience of nationwide testing centers offers rapid access to testing services. Our comprehensive network ensures testing is quick and hassle-free, meeting a wide range of needs across diverse locations. This accessibility provides an efficient solution for businesses and individuals seeking reliable drug testing services.
The process of ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results in Southern Shores, NC, is simple and confidential. The privacy of individuals is paramount, ensuring that all aspects of the testing remain discreet and secure. This ease of use alleviates concerns and fosters confidence in those undergoing testing.
In Southern Shores, NC, affordable pricing coupled with swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures provide great value, delivering peace of mind while ensuring high-quality services.
In Southern Shores, NC, hair follicle drug tests provide precise and swift results. This testing method boasts high accuracy in detecting substances, making it an ideal option for those seeking reliable evidence of drug use. Testing is straightforward and results can be obtained in a timely manner, streamlining the process for both individuals and organizations demanding vigilant substance screening.
Employers in Southern Shores, NC, gain compliance and peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, these tests reduce legal risks and promote a safe and healthy working environment. Implementing hair testing as part of a comprehensive screening strategy can greatly enhance overall workplace security and trust.
