Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective technique for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of an advancing hair strand, offering a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs. When taken near the scalp, hair can showcase a detection window of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the ideal batch for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar volume of body hair is a viable substitute. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis for drug test results comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation as its primary stages.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing within a laboratory's framework. This stage involves confirming proper sample sealing and shipping, generating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and performing any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary examination for detecting substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, positive findings must be affirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening poses the greatest methodological challenge.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked as presumptive positives undergo a cleaning process before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests significantly in detection accuracy. In Wallburg, NC, where reliability is critical, hair tests detect substance use with higher precision, substantially revising the conventional urine testing procedures. Their capacity to provide a longer detection window and greater invulnerability to manipulation is a valuable asset.
In Wallburg, NC, the extended detection period of hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage, spotting drug use over an impressive span of up to 90 days. This comprehensive insight allows employers a deeper understanding of an individual’s substance usage history, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
When it comes to reliability, hair follicle tests in Wallburg, NC, stand out by significantly curtailing the risk of adulteration. Unlike urine samples which are prone to tampering, hair samples provide definitive results that remain unchallenged in their authenticity, providing peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
Wallburg, NC, boasts convenient access to our extensive network of testing centers, ensuring seamless delivery of testing services. Nationwide availability affirms our commitment to providing quick and hassle-free access to essential drug testing facilities, underscoring ease and accessibility for all clients.
The process of hair follicle testing in Wallburg, NC, is both simple and confidential, catering to privacy concerns efficiently. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is streamlined and user-friendly, reinforcing ease of use and confidentiality, crucial for both individuals and organizations.
Our competitive pricing models and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Wallburg, NC, exceptionally affordable. Businesses of all sizes can experience excellent value, reinforced by rapid result delivery, which amplifies efficiency and client satisfaction, thus offering substantial peace of mind.
In Wallburg, NC, hair follicle drug tests offer impressive precision and rapidity that distinguishes them from other testing methods. The meticulous analysis process ensures high accuracy in tracing substance use, providing reliable results. This speediness allows for timely decisions, making it an invaluable tool for employers and panels seeking rigorous evaluation.
Employers in Wallburg, NC, can gain peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies via hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety by providing indisputable evidence of substance use, contributing to a safer and more coherent work environment.
