Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of about three months for substances. It is easy to collect hair, tough to tamper with it, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, with roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width), provides 100mg, the perfect sample for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair specifically, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for producing a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a specimen into the lab’s system. It includes checking the sample's seal and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing other data entries missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. This method cost-effectively excludes drug usage in most samples; however, positive results must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that test positive during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
When a sample tests positive in Screening, more hair is pulled from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo pre-confirmation washing when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Swannanoa, NC, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering a much longer detection period. While urine tests can detect only recent drug use, hair tests reveal usage over 90 days, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
Hair testing is less susceptible to tampering compared to urine samples. This reliability makes hair follicle tests a preferred choice for employers and legal authorities, ensuring authenticity and accuracy in drug screening processes.
Employing hair follicle testing in Swannanoa, NC, allows for an extended detection window, up to 90 days, of substance use. This provides a thorough insight into an individual’s drug history, proving far superior to methods with shorter detection periods.
Hair tests are invaluable for employers who need a complete view of prospective or current employees’ substance habits. By encompassing drug use data over several months, these tests contribute to informed hiring and workplace safety decisions.
In Swannanoa, NC, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests ensures sample integrity. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are incredibly difficult to adulterate, providing peace of mind with reliable and accurate results.
Hair follicle testing almost completely eliminates the risk of sample tampering. This assurance boosts confidence in the testing process for employers and legal authorities, making it an essential tool for drug detection.
Swannanoa, NC residents benefit from convenient testing locations, ensuring swift access to hair follicle drug testing. Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free services with numerous centers nationwide, catering to all testing needs.
Our testing centers in Swannanoa, NC offer quick and efficient service, removing obstacles to drug testing. This widespread network guarantees a smooth process, making drug screening accessible to all.
The process for hair follicle testing in Swannanoa, NC is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns seamlessly. This ease of use fosters a stress-free experience from scheduling to receiving results.
Individuals in Swannanoa appreciate the simplicity of ordering and undergoing hair tests. Keeping the procedure private and uncomplicated, Accredited Drug Testing ensures participants’ data remains secure throughout.
In Swannanoa, NC, we offer competitive pricing on hair follicle tests, providing excellent value for organizations of all sizes. This includes quick turnaround times, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
Our services combine affordability and prompt result delivery, making hair follicle testing accessible to diverse businesses. Cost-effective solutions in Swannanoa, NC, ensure peace of mind and budgeting ease for companies.
In Swannanoa, NC, hair follicle drug tests offer impressive accuracy and speed. These tests quickly identify substance use, providing high-precision insights into an individual’s history. This rapid turnaround is invaluable for organizations needing immediate and reliable results.
Hair testing is renowned for its unmatched precision in substance detection. Its ability to detect drugs ensures dependable outcomes, helping both employers and individuals make informed decisions with confidence in the test’s accuracy.
For organizations in Swannanoa, NC, hair follicle testing strengthens compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This non-invasive testing aids in reducing legal risks associated with substance abuse and contributes to a safer working environment.
Employers gain peace of mind with hair tests, knowing they comply with regulations and legal standards. This not only mitigates risk but also ensures a stable and secure workplace for all employees.
