Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been recognized as a powerful means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collecting hair near the scalp can allow for up to about a 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol. It's simple to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the recommended sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is preferable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing drug test results in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and updating any additional needed information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a rapid preliminary inspection for substance abuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug presence in most samples, positive results must be validated to be court admissible. Any samples that test potentially positive in Screening necessitate further Confirmation.
If a sample shows a potential positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much reduced concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Any positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is thoroughly cleaned before Confirmation, if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the underlying hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Jefferson, NC
Hair testing offers superior detection and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. The extended detection period and tamper-resistant nature make hair tests an ideal choice for maintaining drug-free environments in West Jefferson, NC.
Extended Detection Window in West Jefferson, NC
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability allows employers in West Jefferson, NC to gain comprehensive insights into an individual’s substance history, enhancing informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Jefferson, NC
Hair follicle tests are significantly more tamper-proof than other methods. This reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and unquestionable, providing a trustworthy solution for drug testing in West Jefferson, NC.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Jefferson, NC
The availability of our testing centers nationwide ensures that individuals in West Jefferson, NC have quick and easy access to our services. This nationwide presence alleviates the hassle often associated with drug testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Jefferson, NC
Our process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. In West Jefferson, NC, this ease and privacy alleviate concerns, making the testing experience smooth for all involved parties.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Jefferson, NC
Competitive pricing structures and rapid result times make our services affordable and efficient. Companies of all sizes in West Jefferson, NC benefit from the value we offer, ensuring peace of mind with each test conducted.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Jefferson, NC
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and swiftness. Their high accuracy ensures reliable detection of substance use, providing peace of mind for employers and individuals alike. In West Jefferson, NC, the efficiency of these tests makes them a preferred choice over traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Jefferson, NC
Employers benefit from using hair follicle tests through assured compliance with drug-free policies. This reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, making them an optimal choice for maintaining a secure work environment in West Jefferson, NC.
