Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed timeline of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for nearly a three-month period. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is optimal, offering 100mg of hair for effective examination and confirmation. For EtG or additional tests beyond 10-panel, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair point to scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes is divided into four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab’s database. This step includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers an economical approach to excluding drug presence in most samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should the Screening indicate a presumptive positive, more hair from the original collection is utilized for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screenings particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed to confirm any positive findings from Screening. Presumptive positive samples are subject to washing as part of the confirmation process, if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, but the procedure evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tobaccoville, NC
The advantages of hair sampling over urine tests in Tobaccoville arise from superior detection rates. Hair tests offer extended timelines for substance detection, yielding more accurate results and are less prone to adulteration.
Extended Detection Window in Tobaccoville, NC
With hair follicle testing in Tobaccoville, substances can be traced back as far as 90 days, offering employers insightful glimpses into the drug history of employees or candidates. This extended tracking provides a substantial advantage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tobaccoville, NC
Hair follicle tests in Tobaccoville significantly minimize the chance of sample tampering. Offering consistent and dependable outcomes, this method supports higher levels of credibility and faith in drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tobaccoville, NC
With our expansive network of centers, accessing drug testing in Tobaccoville is straightforward. Our national reach simplifies finding nearby locations, facilitating a seamless and smooth experience for all stakeholders.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tobaccoville, NC
Our process in Tobaccoville is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving analyses, clients experience confidentiality and simplicity, ensuring their privacy concerns are addressed at each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tobaccoville, NC
Offering competitive pricing and quick result delivery in Tobaccoville, our services provide excellent value. Catering to companies of various sizes, our swift turnaround fosters confidence and convenience.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tobaccoville, NC
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and exact results, making them an asset in substance detection. Their precision ensures that substance use is accurately reported, building trust in the process and outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tobaccoville, NC
Employers in Tobaccoville can uphold drug-free policies effectively through hair follicle testing. This strengthens workplace safety and complies with regulations, minimizing legal liabilities and boosting security.
