Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair fibers trap biomarkers that reflect long-term drug and alcohol history, providing a detection window of up to 3 months when collected near the scalp. The collection process is easy, the sample is difficult to tamper with, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch piece of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for screening and verification. For assessments like EtG, additional measures, or panels exceeding 10 tests, 150mg of the sample is suggested. A jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair may be used. By "head hair", we mean scalp hair only, while "body hair" pertains to all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab system, confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entries not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial quick check for drug presence. While economically efficient for eliminating most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Upon presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair from the initial specimen is prepared for Extraction, where drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed for confirming positive results. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire procedural process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Powellsville, NC, hair follicle testing is gaining traction over traditional urine tests. This method excels in precision and reliability, offering extended detection of substances far beyond what urine tests can achieve. Unlike urine tests, hair testing is nearly impossible to tamper with, providing employers with peace of mind and assurance in their drug-free environments.
Hair follicle testing in Powellsville, NC offers an extended detection window that surpasses other drug testing methods. By analyzing hair samples, employers gain insights into an individual’s drug use history for up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive view of their behavior, essential for maintaining workplace safety and standards.
In Powellsville, NC, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled reliability. This method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are dependable and trustworthy, crucial for employers requiring unwavering integrity in their drug testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations Nationwide, including in Powellsville, NC. This ensures that individuals and employers can access hair follicle testing services swiftly, providing a hassle-free solution for those in need of reliable and quick testing results, no matter their location.
In Powellsville, NC, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process addresses privacy concerns effectively, providing ease of use for individuals and employers alike who seek a discreet solution for drug testing needs.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Powellsville, NC ensure that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value from our hair follicle testing services. This affordable approach not only provides peace of mind but also supports companies in maintaining their drug-free policies efficiently.
For those in Powellsville, NC seeking fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing solutions, hair follicle tests are the ideal choice. These tests are known for their precision, capable of detecting substance use with high accuracy, ensuring that employers receive the most reliable data for their drug screening programs.
Employers in Powellsville, NC benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies. This method reduces legal risks and fosters a safe work environment, offering assurances that employees adhere to zero-tolerance drug policies, enhancing overall workplace safety and integrity.
