Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair captures biomarkers within its expanding strands, offering a prolonged record of substance usage. When clipped proximal to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use within a span of nearly 3 months. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil), when gathered near the scalp, results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, extended panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair may be taken. Note that head hair denotes exclusively the scalp area, while body hair includes any other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The core stages in the laboratory processing for drug results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial introduction of a sample into the lab’s records. It includes assessing the sealing and dispatch of the sample, attributing an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry missing from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to discard drug exposure in most samples, verified positive results are necessary for judicial acceptance. Any presumptively positive samples during Screening will undergo further validation.
If the sample yields a positive result at the Screening juncture, additional hair is taken from the initial sample to undergo Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the more challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for all positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, any presumptive positive samples are cleansed as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair provision and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called “hair follicle testsâ€, the analysis targets the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Tar Heel, NC, offers a distinct edge over traditional urine tests. The benefits include superior detection accuracy and enhanced reliability. Whereas urine tests cover only a limited timeframe, hair testing covers a broader window, making it particularly suitable for environments with stringent drug policies. This comprehensive approach ensures a robust assessment of drug use, fostering safer workspaces.
One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing in Tar Heel, NC, is its extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, it paints a detailed picture of an individual’s substance use history. Employers gain a thorough understanding of potential hires or current employees, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Tar Heel, NC, is renowned for being a tamper-resistant testing method. The difficulty in altering hair samples ensures that the results are credible and reliable. This test type significantly reduces the chances of adulteration, providing trustworthy data in drug testing processes and adhering to high standards of integrity and accuracy.
With nationwide testing locations, including those conveniently situated in Tar Heel, NC, drug testing becomes an accessible and seamless service. These centers ensure quick, easy access to testing, offering hassle-free procedures that enhance the user experience. This extensive network caters to diverse needs, reflecting a commitment to community service.
In Tar Heel, NC, we ensure a simple and confidential process for drug testing. From ordering to receiving results, our streamlined procedures respect your privacy and prioritize ease of use. The approach addresses privacy concerns and offers assurance of straightforward handling, making the entire process seamless and discreet.
Our drug testing services in Tar Heel, NC, are characterized by affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Competitive rates combined with swift service deliver significant value to organizations of all sizes. This offers cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on quality or reliability, instilling confidence and satisfaction.
In Tar Heel, NC, hair follicle testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests distinguishes them from other methods, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. Conducted efficiently, they offer a quick and dependable assessment, minimizing wait times and uncertainties for organizations and individuals seeking clarity in drug testing.
For employers in Tar Heel, NC, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. By employing this method, companies can uphold drug-free policies effectively, minimizing legal challenges and boosting workplace safety. This proactive approach fosters a secure environment aligned with organizational values and legal standards.
