Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, added analyses, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair isn’t present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" denotes scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" includes all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s system. This step includes the verification of proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input that isn’t provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use for the majority of samples, but a positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is sourced from the sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
The benefits of hair follicle testing over urine testing in White Plains, NC, are notable. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, tracing drug usage over a much longer period—up to 90 days, unlike the short look-back window of urine tests. This more extended detection period provides a profound insight into an individual's substance-use habits, especially valuable for pre-employment screenings.
Hair testing's reliability pivots on its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, where sample adulteration is a known issue, hair testing's robust nature makes it nearly impossible to cheat. The added security of an observed collection process further enhances confidence in the results, giving employers and officials a compelling assurance of integrity.
The hair follicle test offers an unmatched detection window of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive snapshot of substance use. In White Plains, NC, this extensive period is a major asset for employers who require an in-depth understanding of an applicant or employee's drug history, extending well beyond the limits of other test types.
This broad detection timeframe paints a detailed picture of an individual's habits, making it an invaluable tool for workplaces aiming to maintain a drug-free environment. Respectively, it ensures that substance-use evaluations reflect consistent patterns rather than isolated incidents, thus safeguarding organizational interests and promoting informed decision-making.
In White Plains, NC, the hair follicle test stands out as a tamper-resistant method. This significant advantage lies in its reduction of sample adulteration risks. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are less susceptible to external influences or manipulation, providing results that are reliable and beyond question.
This tamper-resistant nature ensures that the results reflect genuine substance use, not masked by any external tricks or adulteration. This integrity makes hair testing a dependable choice for ensuring accuracy and credibility in drug testing, reinforcing trust in the results obtained from the process.
Offering testing services across White Plains, NC, and Nationwide, our convenient network ensures easy access to drug testing facilities. This accessibility is designed for quick, easy, and hassle-free testing experiences, without unnecessary commuting or delays, supporting clients with locations everywhere.
The local availability of these services ensures that community members can access reliable drug testing without the stress of seeking distant facilities. This proximity simplifies the testing process, making it straightforward for those in need and contributing to the timeliness and efficiency of the overall testing service.
In White Plains, NC, the hair follicle testing process is not only simple but also confidential. Ordering, taking, and getting the results of a test involves minimal hassle, addressing privacy and ease of use concerns effectively. The entire procedure ensures confidentiality, respecting the user’s privacy throughout every step.
Confidentiality and simplicity are fundamental to our testing service. The streamlined process means you can trust every stage, from the initial step of ordering a test to receiving your results, without worrying about complex paperwork or breaches of privacy, thus ensuring peace of mind.
In White Plains, NC, our drug testing services are known for affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing that doesn't compromise on speed or accuracy, delivering excellent value and confidence for organizations, regardless of size.
The fusion of affordability and rapid service turnaround stands as a market leader in drug testing. Companies benefit not only from cost-effective services but also from quick results that empower timely decision-making, ensuring productivity and strategic operation management.
In White Plains, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. The precision in detection ensures reliable outcomes, making them the go-to choice for quick and accurate results. Their ability to consistently identify substance use raises the reliability bar compared to alternative methods, granting peace of mind through swift and exact analysis.
The swift processing of hair tests does not compromise accuracy. This dual benefit allows individuals and organizations to make informed decisions promptly. The blend of fast and meticulous testing ensures that the results received are both dependable and timely, essential for time-sensitive decisions.
For employers in White Plains, NC, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method plays a crucial role in reducing legal risks associated with employee drug use, enhancing workplace safety. By utilizing hair testing, companies can confidently enforce their zero-tolerance policies with unmistakable results.
The peace of mind offered through reliable testing also extends to enhancing workforce safety and productivity. Employers are empowered with a tool that delivers indisputable results, aligning with organizational goals for maintaining a healthy, drug-free working environment and minimizing potential liabilities.
