Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and substance markers by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. A sample taken near the scalp offers a detection window of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of hair from the body can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in laboratory analysis for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary verification for substance misuse. Though Screening serves as a cost-effective approach to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result needs validation to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underpinning the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation by using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing prior to confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morrisville, NC
Hair testing provides a notable edge over urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent use, hair tests reveal longer-term drug histories, offering a more thorough assessment.
Employers and entities in Morrisville can benefit from these tests, reducing the chance of overlooking long-term use and ensuring a more accurate view of an individual's substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Morrisville, NC
Hair follicle testing allows detection of drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers in Morrisville a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, crucial for informed decision-making.
Unlike shorter-term tests, hair testing details sustained substance use, offering a full-spectrum analysis invaluable for screening processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morrisville, NC
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the risks of sample tampering, ensuring reliable results. Their non-invasive nature and observed collection process bolster integrity and trustworthiness.
For organizations in Morrisville, this tamper-resistant approach is key in maintaining validity and reducing manipulation attempts during testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morrisville, NC
Our widespread testing centers offer unmatched convenience, enabling swift and stress-free access to services. Morrisville residents can avail these facilities, ensuring prompt testing without hassle.
With accredited centers nationwide, accessibility is guaranteed wherever your testing needs arise, streamlining the process for individuals and businesses.
Simple, Confidential Process in Morrisville, NC
The streamlined process for ordering, performing, and receiving results prioritizes user ease and privacy. Concerns about confidentiality are addressed, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Morrisville residents benefit from a discrete and straightforward procedure, aligning convenience with the highest standards of privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morrisville, NC
Competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times makes hair follicle testing an economical choice. Organizations of all sizes in Morrisville can trust in excellent value services.
Timely delivery of results without high costs provides peace of mind, making testing accessible and budget-friendly for everyone involved.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morrisville, NC
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise detection of substance use. With high accuracy rates, these tests ensure that results are both fast and trustworthy, providing Morrisville residents with dependable assessments.
The precision of hair testing surpasses traditional methods, making it a preferred option for those requiring fast and accurate insights into substance use or abuse.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morrisville, NC
Implementing hair follicle testing aids Morrisville employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, delivering assured compliance and security.
By incorporating these tests, companies ensure rigorous standards are met, fostering an environment of trust and lawfulness.
