Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of continuously growing hair. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers around a 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. In cases of absent scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory system. It involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples testing presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Emerald Isle, NC, offering enhanced detection accuracy and dependability. Hair tests cover a longer detection window, capturing a wider history of substance use. The superior reliability of hair testing aids in maintaining integrity and safety standards, thus becoming increasingly preferred over urine tests.
Employing hair follicle testing in Emerald Isle, NC, provides a remarkable detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This extended detection period grants employers a thorough perspective on an individual's drug history, proving invaluable for assessing long-term substance use patterns and ensuring workplace standards.
Ensuring tamper-resistant results, hair follicle tests in Emerald Isle, NC, substantially lower the risks linked to sample tampering. By providing results that are hard to alter, these tests uphold the integrity of the drug testing process, delivering trustworthy results crucial for maintaining safety and compliance.
Offering extensive convenience, our numerous nationwide testing centers, including those in Emerald Isle, NC, ensure quick and effortless access to testing services. The widespread availability allows for hassle-free scheduling and testing, accommodating various needs promptly and efficiently.
In Emerald Isle, NC, the process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Safeguarding client privacy is vital, and the streamlined process eases the testing experience, addressing confidentiality and user concerns adeptly.
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing in Emerald Isle, NC, provide exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Ensuring affordability without compromising quality, companies benefit from budget-friendly solutions and prompt results, reinforcing trust and satisfaction.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Emerald Isle, NC, ensures swift and dependable results. Utilizing advanced technology, these tests quickly determine substance use, showcasing a high level of accuracy. This reliability allows individuals and organizations to make informed decisions, ensuring safety and compliance across various sectors.
In Emerald Isle, NC, adhering to drug-free workplace policies is paramount for employers. Hair follicle testing provides assurance and mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. By employing hair tests, companies ensure compliance, nurturing a secure and reliable work environment.
