Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of alcohol and substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer an estimated 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four pivotal steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be permissible in court. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Sugar Mountain, NC? Hair tests stand out for their exceptional detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection period, uncovering drug use even months after ingestion. This prolonged window and rigorous collection process make hair tests a superior choice for those seeking more compelling evidence of substance use.
For employers in Sugar Mountain, NC, hair follicle testing provides an extensive drug use detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extended timeframe uncovers an individual’s substance use history, offering a detailed overview beyond the brief span of typical urine tests. By delivering a comprehensive substance profile, it helps in assessing the long-term habits of potential hires or current employees.
In Sugar Mountain, NC, hair follicle tests are paramount in reducing sample manipulation, ensuring highly reliable results. Unlike urine tests, which can be altered with additives, hair tests are collected in a supervised environment, eliminating opportunities for tampering. This method guarantees the authenticity of each sample, providing definitive results that withstand scrutiny.
Our widespread network of testing centers includes convenient local spots in Sugar Mountain, NC, further simplifying the testing process. Whether in bustling cities or tighter-knit communities, our services are accessible, allowing straightforward, prompt, and smooth access to drug testing resources across the nation, reflecting our commitment to widespread utility.
Sugar Mountain, NC clients experience a straightforward, discreet process for hair follicle testing, from ordering to result reception. Privacy is paramount at every stage, ensuring individuals' information is protected. Simplified procedures mean less stress, allowing employers and individuals to act with confidence, knowing their privacy is respected.
Our testing services in Sugar Mountain, NC boast affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. Designed to offer superb value, our options accommodate companies of all scales. Efficient processing ensures results are swift, reducing waiting times and guaranteeing that affordability does not come at the cost of quality service or peace of mind.
In Sugar Mountain, NC, hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed, setting a high standard in substance detection. These tests are finely tuned to recognize even trace amounts of drugs, providing results swiftly. Compared to other testing methods, they consistently deliver accurate and dependable findings, ensuring reliable detection in less time, a vital feature for time-sensitive situations.
Employers in Sugar Mountain, NC, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By embedding these tests into their practices, companies minimize legal liabilities and enhance safety. The reliability of hair tests promotes trust and security in managing the substance-use stance in corporate settings.
