Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis serves as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a chronological record of substances by embedding biomarkers within its expanding strands. When taken near the scalp, hair may offer a detection period of up to about three months for substances like alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising nearly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair denotes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
General Procedure
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test outcomes involves four crucial phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the commencement of integrating a sample into the laboratory's operations. This phase includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and transportation, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any necessary data entry omissions from an electronic chain of custody system.
In Screening, an initial cursory examination for drug abuse occurs. Though Screening efficiently rules out drug use for the bulk of samples, a legal-qualitative screen demands confirmation. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent verification.
Should a sample yield a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the primary sample and processed for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores why hair drug examination poses the greatest challenge.
The verification of any positive Screening findings occurs through the application of GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory procedures from Accessioning through Confirmation adhere to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" can be misleading as the analysis targets the hair shaft, not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West End, NC Hair testing offers numerous benefits over traditional urine tests. It boasts a more extended detection period, superior precision, and reduced chances of sample tampering. This makes hair follicle testing the reliable option for thorough drug history assessments in West End, NC.
Extended Detection Window in West End, NC The hair follicle test can pinpoint substance use spanning a 90-day window. This means employers in West End, NC can get a thorough picture of an individual's substance usage over a significant period, unlike other methods with shorter detection spans.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West End, NC Hair follicle testing excels in minimizing tampering risks. The stringent testing procedures ensure that the results are genuine and dependable, affording businesses in West End, NC a trustworthy option for drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West End, NC Accredited Drug Testing's widespread centers guarantee effortless and efficient access to drug testing facilities. With local and national sites, individuals in West End, NC can conveniently engage in the testing process, eliminating any hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in West End, NC Engaging in hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving test results is designed to ensure privacy, providing users in West End, NC with reassurance and ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West End, NC Our competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times cater to businesses of all sizes. In West End, NC, Accredited Drug Testing delivers excellent value, combined with rapid results, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace regarding expenditure.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West End, NC Hair follicle drug tests provide precision and quick results, making them an outstanding choice for detecting substance use in West End, NC. These tests are celebrated for their ability to deliver accurate readings, enabling employers and individuals to make well-informed decisions quickly and confidently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West End, NC Adopting hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free protocols, mitigating legal exposures. This strategy fosters a safer and compliant work environment, giving employers in West End, NC confidence in their drug testing practices.
