Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand, offering an extensive timeline for alcohol and drug detection. Collected near the scalp, it can offer an approximate three-month detection span for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 strands of hair (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, extra tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the hair sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, equivalent body hair can be gathered. In reference to head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This includes verifying that the sample arrived sealed correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary check for the presence of drugs. While it is a cost-efficient means to rule out drug use for most samples, any positive results need further confirmation to be admissible in legal settings. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Waynesville, NC
Hair testing offers superior detection compared to traditional urine tests, providing a longer detection period. While urine tests can detect recent substance use, hair tests reveal a comprehensive 90-day history. This makes hair tests more reliable and difficult to evade, giving a clearer picture of an individual's drug use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Waynesville, NC
Hair follicle testing is favorable for its ability to detect substance use over an extended timeframe, reaching up to 90 days. This long detection window enables employers to get a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use, aiding in informed decision-making for hiring and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Waynesville, NC
Hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. The test's design minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, thus providing authentic and trustworthy results, which are crucial for employers and legal services needing dependable data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Waynesville, NC
With a vast network of testing centers, accessing our services is straightforward and stress-free. Our local and nationwide facilities provide quick and convenient testing, making sure you can receive necessary drug testing without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Waynesville, NC
We ensure a straightforward and private testing process, from ordering to receiving results. This confidentiality addresses privacy concerns, providing a smooth and user-friendly experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Waynesville, NC
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times on our hair follicle testing services. This combination delivers excellent value to businesses of varying scales, ensuring you receive efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Waynesville, NC
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results. These tests boast unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a preferred choice for many organizations. The ability to quickly and reliably determine an individual's drug history plays a crucial role in decision-making for employers and legal authorities alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waynesville, NC
Employers opting for hair follicle testing ensure adherence to drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities. This method enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind and a secure environment for both employees and employers.
