Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly become recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a long-term account of alcohol and drug use. When sampled near the scalp, it provides roughly a 3-month window of detection. Collection is straightforward, manipulation is challenging, and shipping is simple.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab encompasses four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab system. It entails ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use in most samples, positive screen results must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is gathered from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drug concentrations are extracted at significantly lower levels than in other methodologies (for example, urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing as the most challenging methodology.
Positive outcomes from screenings are verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation, as deemed necessary. The lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests
In Stony Point, NC, hair follicle testing is increasingly favored over urine testing. While traditional urine tests capture recent drug use, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy, analyzing a broader timeframe. This method's reliability is unmatched, delivering consistent results against drug use evasions.
Extended Detection Capabilities
In Stony Point, NC, hair follicle drug tests provide comprehensive substance history evaluation over an extended detection window of up to 90 days. Employers gain insights into an individual's long-term drug use, furnishing a substantial background compared to shorter detection span tests.
Reliable Testing Solutions
In Stony Point, NC, hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering. Unlike other methods, these tests significantly mitigate adulteration risks, delivering foolproof results. This robustness ensures collected samples remain authentic, offering dependability and trust in the outcomes.
Accessible Testing Services
With readily available testing centers in Stony Point, NC, accessing drug tests is convenient and swift. Our nationwide locations streamline the testing process, ensuring individuals and employers experience quick and hassle-free service, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Easy and Confidential Process
In Stony Point, NC, the hair follicle test offers a simple and confidential procedure. From test ordering to result receipt, the process ensures privacy and ease. Participants are assured of a seamless journey, mitigating privacy concerns while guaranteeing comprehensive drug use insights.
Cost-Effective and Quick
Our testing services in Stony Point, NC, provide competitive pricing and fast turnaround. The affordability of hair follicle tests offers exceptional value, supporting companies of all sizes in maintaining drug-free environments efficiently and economically.
Precision in Drug Testing
In Stony Point, NC, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and accuracy. The testing process offers fast and reliable results, capable of detecting a wide variety of substances. The altimate precision ensures conclusive outcomes, reflecting the true usage pattern of an individual, providing peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
Employer Compliance Assured
Stony Point, NC businesses benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring workplace drug policy compliance. This testing method reduces potential legal issues and bolsters workplace safety. Employers can confidently maintain a drug-free environment, safeguarding their organization's standards.
