Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a lasting record of substance usage by locking biomarkers within the strands. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for such substances. It’s easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp is sufficient to yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra components, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest verifying the sample weight with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equal volume of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially registering a sample in a laboratory’s system. This includes checking if the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data requirements not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. It’s a budget-friendly method to disregard drug presence in most cases, however, a positive result in Screening needs validation to be defensible in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harrellsville, NC When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests, the advantages in detection accuracy are significant. Hair tests provide a longer history of drug use, extending up to 90 days, whereas urine tests are limited to more recent consumption. This extended window gives employers a better overview of an individual's habits, offering a clearer picture than traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window in Harrellsville, NC Hair follicle drug testing offers a substantially longer detection period—up to 90 days. This is pivotal for employers who need a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history. By capturing a broader timeline, hair tests in Harrellsville present a more detailed account of past drug use, providing clarity for employment or legal assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harrellsville, NC Hair follicle drug tests drastically curtail the potential for sample tampering. Unlike other tests, the hair method is less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring results are authentic and trustworthy. This inherent tamper resistance makes hair testing a reliable choice for those seeking unequivocal assessments of substance use in Harrellsville.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Harrellsville, NC Our widespread network of testing centers across the nation ensures fast, hassle-free service access. Harrellsville residents benefit from convenient local options, allowing for easy testing with minimal disruptions. This accessibility simplifies the process for individuals and organizations alike, ensuring a seamless experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Harrellsville, NC The procedure for hair follicle drug testing is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to sampling and receiving results, each step respects the individual's confidentiality. Residents of Harrellsville can trust in a smooth, discreet experience, with an emphasis on protecting personal information while ensuring high-quality testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harrellsville, NC Competitive pricing structures make hair follicle tests accessible and appealing for companies of all sizes. Along with affordability, Harrellsville testing centers offer rapid result turnaround, ensuring excellent value. This combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency enhances client confidence and satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harrellsville, NC The precision of hair follicle drug tests lies in their ability to swiftly identify substance use. With superior detection accuracy, these tests guarantee dependable results, making Harrellsville a hub for quick and precise testing solutions. Hair testing stands out due to its unique collection and analysis method, ensuring high reliability every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harrellsville, NC Utilizing hair follicle tests helps align with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure and promoting safety. Employers gain confidence knowing that comprehensive testing measures are in place. In Harrellsville, this peace of mind is bolstered by the accuracy and reliability of hair analysis.
