Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. It offers an extended record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft's fibers as they grow. When harvested near the skin, hair can offer up to about a 90-day detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting Hair is straightforward, fairly secure from tampering, and convenient to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal quantity for both testing and confirmation. For extended tests like EtG or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to assess the sample weight with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar volume of body hair might be used. "Head hair" specifies scalp hair exclusively. All non-scalp hair types, such as facial and axillary, are categorized as "body hair".
Process Overview
There are four core stages in the lab assessment of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initial entry into a lab’s framework. Steps include verifying correct sealing and delivery, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid evaluation for substance misuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug consumption in most samples, any positive screen mandates further confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples tentatively identified as positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
In the event of a tentative positive indication during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During the Extraction phase, substances are retrieved from hair at notably lower levels than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug screening.
Sample Confirmation for any positive screening involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples identified as presumptive positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credentials and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although dubbed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stokesdale, NC
Hair follicle testing is considerably superior to traditional urine testing due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. In Stokesdale, NC, hair tests can identify drug use over a longer period, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This advantage makes hair testing a preferred option for employers seeking thorough scrutiny.
Extended Detection Window in Stokesdale, NC
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing allows for the identification of drug use up to 90 days prior. This prolonged period enables employers to gain a comprehensive perspective of an applicant or employee's past substance use, helping make informed decisions in Stokesdale, NC.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stokesdale, NC
Hair follicle testing is a highly tamper-resistant method, substantially reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results obtained are reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind for both employers and individuals in Stokesdale, NC, about the integrity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stokesdale, NC
Your testing needs can be quickly met with Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network. Accessible locations in Stokesdale, NC make it simple for employers and individuals to pursue drug testing without hassle, ensuring a smooth and swift testing process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stokesdale, NC
The process of hair follicle testing in Stokesdale, NC, is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is done with ease, ensuring privacy and comfort for individuals concerned about their personal information and the simplicity of the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stokesdale, NC
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes in Stokesdale, NC. Accredited Drug Testing delivers excellent value while ensuring fast and reliable results, providing peace of mind for those relying on our services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stokesdale, NC
Hair follicle drug tests are noted for their precision and speed, offering highly accurate results. In Stokesdale, NC, this testing method provides exceptional detection of substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes in a timely manner. Hair testing quickly delivers results, reassuring both employers and individuals of its effectiveness and dependability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stokesdale, NC
Employers in Stokesdale, NC, can achieve compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind with its accurate and comprehensive results concerning employee substance use.
