Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended overview of alcohol and other drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. Collecting hair near the scalp allows for up to a 3-month observation window for alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Employ a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The crucial phases of laboratory processing for a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a specimen is introduced into a lab's system. This step checks if the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. While being a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal scenarios. Samples with presumed positive results during Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at much reduced levels than in other practices (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to undertake.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation based on requirements. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Stanleyville, NC, the advantages of hair testing are clear. Hair tests offer long-lasting accuracy and greater detection capabilities, ensuring reliable results. While urine tests serve immediate past detection, hair tests provide a broader historical substance use analysis.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers significant benefits in Stanleyville, NC. By identifying drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days, these tests provide employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, keeping workplace integrity intact.
Hair follicle testing in Stanleyville, NC minimizes the risk of sample tampering significantly. By ensuring robust sample integrity, these tests deliver reliable and indisputable results, enhancing trust and credibility in the testing process.
With convenient testing centers spread nationwide, including Stanleyville, NC, access to reliable testing services is both quick and easy. Our facilities ensure that testing remains hassle-free, providing individuals and businesses seamless access to needed services.
The process for hair follicle testing in Stanleyville, NC is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the streamlined procedure addresses privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use at every step.
In Stanleyville, NC, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround on hair follicle testing make it affordable and valuable for businesses of varying sizes. Our services promise prompt results without compromising quality.
Hair follicle tests in Stanleyville, NC stand out for their remarkable precision and swiftness. With superior accuracy in substance detection, these tests have become a reliable choice for quick results. Employers can expect precise outcomes rapidly, making informed decisions seamlessly.
Employers in Stanleyville, NC can experience enhanced peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies mitigates legal risks and boosts safety, fostering a secure and compliant work environment.
