Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. With hair, one can obtain an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair's structure as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to around three months for substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipment.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both initial screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding ten panels, it's advisable to use 150mg. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In scenarios where scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The core stages in the lab processing of a drug test consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially integrated into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data required if not provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples deemed to be positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair exhibiting a much lower concentration compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is acknowledged as the most challenging method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for confirming any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the full laboratory procedure is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In the comparison between hair and urine drug tests in Charlotte, TN, hair testing stands superior. It offers unmatched reliability, capturing drug use history with impressive accuracy. Detection spans a broader timeframe, unlike traditional urine tests. Employing an observed collection further ensures the integrity of each test.
Employers in Charlotte, TN benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extensive detection window, covering drug use up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview aids in assessing the substance history of candidates, providing insights into long-term habits and assisting in making informed decisions.
Charlotte, TN relies on hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring authentic and trustworthy results. This robustness in testing provides reassurance, supporting accurate assessments of substance use.
Charlotte, TN, boasts the advantage of convenient testing via numerous nationwide centers. Our accessible locations simplify the process, guaranteeing hassle-free and prompt drug testing services, no matter the user's city, supporting both local and widespread needs efficiently.
The process in Charlotte, TN, is straightforward and discreet, from ordering the test to receiving results. Ensuring privacy, the hair follicle testing procedure is user-friendly, addressing concerns about confidentiality and ease, delivering results without compromising personal security.
Our hair follicle testing in Charlotte, TN, is characterized by competitive pricing and swift results delivery. This affordability pairs with rapid processing times to offer businesses of all sizes significant value, assuring cost-effective and efficient drug screening solutions.
Charlotte, TN witnesses the unparalleled benefits of hair follicle testing, offering swift and exact results. It outshines in terms of accuracy, proficiently spotting varied substance use patterns. Rapid processing speeds make hair testing a preferred choice, aligning precision with efficiency, making it an optimal screening tool.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Charlotte, TN offers employers compliance and peace of mind. It upholds drug-free workplace policies, curtails legal risks, and contributes to a safer environment. By adopting this method, organizations can ensure both regulatory adherence and employee safety.
