Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can show a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately as thick as a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to hair from the scalp. "Body hair" includes all other hair types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure to process drug test results involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is input into a lab's system. This step confirms whether the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and logs any required data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial check for drug misuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid tests), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Confirming any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples are cleansed as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For individuals and enterprises in Waxhaw, NC, hair follicle testing offers unmatched advantages over urine tests. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests is evident, as they identify substances used over a longer period. This makes them an effective tool in assessing long-term drug use and ensuring workplace safety.
Employers favor hair follicle testing due to its high reliability, where results hold up under scrutiny. Unlike urine tests, which only detect recent usage, hair tests provide a detailed picture of consistent drug use over time, crucial for maintaining workplace integrity.
In Waxhaw, employers benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which spans up to 90 days. This capability offers a comprehensive view of an employee's or applicant's drug use history, allowing for informed decision-making and assessment of regular substance use behavior.
The extended detection period provided by hair testing essentially broadens the scope of drug monitoring in Waxhaw. Employers can rely on this method for a thorough analysis of potential drug habits, ensuring that policy enforcement is based on concrete and extensive data.
Hair follicle tests in Waxhaw, NC, feature a robust tamper-resistant mechanism that significantly reduces the risk of adulteration. This method ensures the integrity of the sample, providing trustworthy results that stakeholders can rely upon.
The ability to prevent sample manipulation further solidifies hair testing's role in Waxhaw. As cheating becomes increasingly difficult, the authenticity of results enhances confidence in testing outcomes, underlining its credibility for all concerned parties.
Waxhaw, NC, benefits from conveniently located testing centers nationwide, offering a hassle-free experience. Whether you're local or traveling, accessing testing services is simple and efficient, ensuring timely and effective processing.
With our extensive network of locations, there's always a testing center nearby ready to serve your needs. The availability of these centers facilitates quick and straightforward access to hair follicle drug testing services, streamlining the entire process.
Residents of Waxhaw, NC, enjoy a simple and confidential drug testing process. The straightforward procedure from ordering to receiving results ensures privacy and comfort, making hair follicle testing a preferred option for many.
The confidentiality associated with our testing means that clients can trust that their personal data and results are handled with the utmost care, aligning with expectations of discreetness and efficiency.
Businesses in Waxhaw, NC, benefit from competitive affordable pricing for hair follicle drug testing, paired with a fast turnaround. This combination provides excellent value and allows companies to maintain safety without breaking the budget.
The quick turnaround times ensure that results are delivered when needed, minimizing delay in decision-making. Cost-effective pricing structures further enhance the appeal of hair testing for organizations of all sizes.
In Waxhaw, NC, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. High accuracy ensures that substances are detected with minimal error, making these tests a reliable choice. The rapid turnaround time for results also enhances their appeal, offering valuable insights quickly for urgent decisions.
Employers in Waxhaw appreciate the reliability of hair tests, which provide accurate reflection of an individual's drug history. This accuracy, coupled with the fast processing of samples and results, makes hair follicle testing a critical component in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Employers in Waxhaw, NC, gain considerable peace of mind through compliance with drug-free workplace policies via hair follicle testing. This method not only adheres to legal requirements but also reduces risk and enhances safety.
Incorporating hair follicle testing into routine checks promotes a secure working environment and helps avoid legal troubles. Maintaining compliance ensures that companies in Waxhaw meet all necessary standards, protecting both employees and organizational reputation.
