Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended historical view of alcohol and drug intake. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers nearly a 90-day detection period for these substances. This method is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and encompassing around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be utilized. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The principal stages involved in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial intake of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive indication necessitates further validation for it to be recognized in legal settings. Any samples testing positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a tentative positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the primary specimen for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screen result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to Confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wake Forest, NC
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior accuracy and reliability. In Wake Forest, NC, this testing method ensures detailed detection of drug use, offering significant advantages over urine examinations. The comprehensive analysis through hair samples guarantees a more thorough and dependable review of substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Wake Forest, NC
Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability presents employers in Wake Forest, NC, with a holistic overview of an applicant's or employee's drug use history, far surpassing the limited scope of urine tests. The broad timeframe offered by hair analysis allows for an in-depth understanding of substance patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wake Forest, NC
Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration, offering trustworthy and indisputable results. Employers in Wake Forest, NC, can rely on these tests for secure drug screening, as the inherent resistance to tampering provides assurance that the findings are genuine and representative of the subject's true substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wake Forest, NC
Our network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Wake Forest, NC, facilitates seamless access to hair follicle testing services. The ease with which appointments can be made ensures a hassle-free process, providing convenience for those needing swift and efficient drug testing solutions across multiple locales.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wake Forest, NC
Engaging with our hair follicle testing service is simple and discreet in Wake Forest, NC. The process is streamlined, from ordering to sample collection, ensuring privacy and comfort. With confidentiality assured, individuals and companies alike can utilize our services without concern over their data's security or the ease of the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wake Forest, NC
Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery make hair follicle testing accessible for businesses of all sizes in Wake Forest, NC. By offering excellent value without compromising quality, we ensure peace of mind through prompt and cost-effective drug testing solutions, reinforcing trust among employers and employees.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wake Forest, NC
Hair follicle tests offer unparalleled speed and precision in drug detection in Wake Forest, NC. Their ability to accurately identify substance use through hair samples makes them the superior choice for companies seeking reliable results. With rapid processing times, businesses can confidently make informed decisions based on high-accuracy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wake Forest, NC
Employers opting for hair follicle testing in Wake Forest, NC, ensure alignment with workplace drug-free policies. This approach mitigates legal challenges and enhances safety operationally. By choosing hair analysis, businesses gain peace of mind through adherence to compliance standards, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
