Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely regarded as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a long-term record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, added tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If there is no scalp hair available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. Head hair pertains to only scalp hair, while body hair refers to any other kind of hair (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient technique for ruling out drug consumption for most samples, any positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for admissibility in a legal context. Samples that test presumptively positive at Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptively positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen to prepare for Extraction. In Extraction, substances are extracted from hair at a much lesser concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging procedures.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptive for positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Vandemere, NC, hair follicle testing is unparalleled when compared to traditional urine tests. They offer superior detection capabilities and enhanced reliability. With a much longer detection period, hair tests provide accurate insights into long-term substance use, unlike urine tests that might miss historical usage.
Vandemere, NC benefits from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. With a timeframe of up to 90 days, these tests provide employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, supporting informed decisions regarding employment and policy adherence.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing makes it a valuable asset in Vandemere, NC. By substantially reducing the potential for sample adulteration, these tests ensure results that are both reliable and beyond dispute, providing assurance for employers and institutions alike.
Vandemere, NC's residents can benefit from our nationwide testing centers, offering convenient access to testing services. With easy and hassle-free procedures, our centers ensure quick and efficient testing, saving time for both employees and employers alike.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Vandemere, NC addresses privacy concerns effectively. From initiating the test order to receiving the results, every step prioritizes ease and confidentiality, assuring peace of mind for all involved.
In Vandemere, NC, our hair follicle testing service is revered for its affordable pricing and rapid turnaround time. Companies of all sizes gain exceptional value from our competitive pricing structures, ensuring comprehensive testing without breaking the budget.
In Vandemere, NC, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed and precision. These tests stand out due to their impressive ability to deliver accurate results swiftly, making them a popular choice for institutions aiming to detect substance use effectively and without delay.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Vandemere, NC contributes to peace of mind and compliance for employers. These tests help enforce drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety, crucial for all business sectors.
