Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronological record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair concern scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the lab encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes verifying the sample’s sealing and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for it to be court-admissible. Samples showing preliminary positive results during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample returns a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
For any positive results in screening, confirmation is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples thought to be positive undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently dubbed “hair follicle testsâ€, the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why is hair follicle testing preferred over traditional urine tests in Stokes, NC? The answer is simple: superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are conventional, hair testing provides more consistent and trustworthy data when monitoring substance misuse.
Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair testing traces drug use over an extended period. This comprehensive insight makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for organizations committed to maintaining zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capturing a substance use history up to 90 days, a significant advantage for employers in Stokes, NC. This feature provides a comprehensive lens into an individual’s behavior.
Such prolonged detection capabilities ensure a thorough understanding of an employee or candidate’s habits, aiding employers in making informed hiring and retention decisions.
In Stokes, NC, the reliability of hair follicle testing stems from its tamper-resistant nature. This method reduces sample adulteration risks, ensuring test integrity and accuracy, which is often a challenge with other testing forms.
The meticulous collection and testing process employed in hair follicle testing ensures unquestionable results, critical for organizations needing absolute assurance in their testing methodologies.
With testing centers distributed nationwide and locally in Stokes, NC, accessing hair follicle testing services is both quick and convenient. This widespread availability accommodates the testing needs of businesses large and small.
The ease of access to testing facilities minimizes logistical challenges, allowing companies in Stokes, NC, to implement effective substance use screening swiftly and efficiently.
In Stokes, NC, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. Businesses can swiftly schedule tests, ensuring privacy and ease at each step.
The seamless approach alleviates common concerns regarding confidentiality and user-friendliness, making hair testing a viable option for businesses prioritizing these elements.
Stokes, NC, companies benefit from competitive hair follicle testing pricing, ensuring fast test result turnaround. This not only provides excellent value for varying budgets but also enhances operational efficiency.
The affordable costs associated with this testing method mean organizations of all sizes can implement regular and reliable drug monitoring practices without financial strain.
In Stokes, NC, the precision and quickness of hair follicle drug tests ensure reliable outcomes. Hair testing delivers high accuracy when identifying substances, which is crucial for businesses relying on dependable data for decision-making.
The ability to quickly yield results is a standout feature of hair follicle testing. This method’s efficiency offers timely insights into potential substance abuse, supporting immediate action plans.
For employers in Stokes, NC, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks while promoting a safer, more reliable work environment.
By integrating hair testing, businesses safeguard against potential substance abuse issues, enhancing organizational trust and reducing the possibility of workplace incidents related to drug use.
