Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as a potent resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (around the dimensions of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields roughly 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount needed for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically refers to the hair on the scalp. All other types, such as facial and axillary, are considered body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process of determining a drug test outcome involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a specimen into the lab system. This includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and inputting any supplementary data not available via an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While it is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
For specimens showing presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair in significantly lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, which makes hair drug screening one of the trickier methods to execute.
The act of Confirmation for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory protocol, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stedman, NC: Hair testing presents a robust option compared to traditional urine methods.
Its ability to detect substances makes it superior in accuracy and trustworthiness.
Employers benefit from a wider detection range and reduced fraud chances, ensuring safer, drug-free workplaces.
Extended Detection Window in Stedman, NC: Hair follicle testing excels with its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, it offers employers a complete view of an individual's substance usage.
This method enables monitoring of long-term drug habits, providing essential insights for decision-makers.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stedman, NC: Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering.
The observed collection process ensures reliability and integrity of results, offering solid evidence in substance detection.
Its resistance to adulteration makes it a trusted choice for employers and legal entities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stedman, NC: Our nationwide centers enable effortless access to testing services, ensuring local convenience.
Quick and hassle-free testing at Stedman centers streamlines the process for individuals and companies alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stedman, NC: The process for ordering, executing, and obtaining results is straightforward and private.
Concerns over privacy and ease of use are addressed by our confidential approach, ensuring client comfort and security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stedman, NC: We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times.
This ensures excellent value and peace of mind for organizations of all sizes seeking efficient drug testing solutions.
With a focus on affordability and speed, our services stand out in providing cost-effective testing results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stedman, NC: Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
It mitigates legal risks, promotes safety, and provides assurance to employers looking for thorough substance monitoring protocols.
