Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extensive historical record of drug and alcohol use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and various other substances. It is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 hairs (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the roots provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For tests including EtG, additional metrics, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be collected. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial registration of a sample within a lab's framework. This process involves confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Although it provides a cost-efficient means to eliminate most instances of drug use, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be legally valid in judicial contexts. Any presumptively positive samples during Screening require subsequent validation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug testing as the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results are verified through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if needed. Every step, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Taylortown, NC offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. This method displays superior detection accuracy and reliability, allowing for a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history. Unlike urine tests, hair testing detects drugs utilized up to 90 days prior. This extended window offers employers a broader scope of understanding while making crucial decisions about their workforce.
With a reach of up to 90 days, hair follicle drug testing offers an unmatched detection window in Taylortown, NC. This extensive insight allows employers to thoroughly evaluate an employee's drug use patterns over time. By providing more than just recent drug use, it affords a more complete picture of an applicant’s lifestyle, which is invaluable during the hiring or assessment process.
In Taylortown, NC, hair follicle drug tests are exemplary for reducing potential sample tampering. The method's design minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable. This rigorous testing process offers peace of mind, as the likelihood of sample interference is significantly lower compared to other testing methods, particularly urine testing.
Nationwide testing facilities, including those in Taylortown, NC, offer a convenient way to access hair follicle drug tests. Our centers are designed to provide swift, efficient, and stress-free testing services, allowing individuals and employers to undertake necessary drug screenings without significant disruption. Local access simplifies the process, ensuring timely and accessible drug testing solutions.
Offering a straightforward and confidential process, hair follicle testing in Taylortown, NC, emphasizes privacy and ease. The procedure for ordering tests, collecting samples, and receiving results is designed to be user-friendly while maintaining strict confidentiality. Clients can rest assured their privacy is prioritized throughout the process, making hair testing a viable option for sensitive situations.
Hair follicle drug testing in Taylortown, NC is characterized by competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This testing method provides excellent value, balancing affordability with the assurance of prompt, dependable results. Companies of all sizes benefit from this economically viable solution, which combines cost-effectiveness with timely, professional service.
In Taylortown, NC, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for delivering swift and precise results. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unmatched, ensuring dependable outcomes. This testing method is not only fast but also consistently accurate, greatly aiding employers in maintaining substance-free environments, thus boosting workplace safety. The rapid processing time allows for prompt decision-making by employers.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Taylortown, NC ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thus enhancing workplace safety and reducing legal exposure. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their drug-testing procedures are rigorous and conform to standards, safeguarding the company and its employees. This proactive approach supports maintaining a safe and compliant work culture.
