Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair, it offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug exposure. Collected close to the scalp, hair provides an approximate 3-month detection timeline for these substances. Hair is straightforward to obtain, difficult to tamper with, and straightforward to send for analysis.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation analyses. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. It's advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair serves as an alternative. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab's system. This step involves confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for detecting drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample showing presumptive positivity in Screening needs a follow-up confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid testing, underscoring the complexities of hair drug screening.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo washing before Confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Tryon, NC, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, offering insights into drug use up to 90 days prior. This timeframe surpasses the short-term view provided by urine tests, making hair tests ideal for comprehensive historical analysis.
Hair testing's superior detection accuracy makes it a preferred method in Tryon, NC. Unlike urine tests which are limited to recent use detection, hair tests can identify extended substance use patterns, improving reliability in screening applicants or employees.
Unlike traditional methods, hair follicle testing in Tryon, NC, provides an extensive detection timeframe, retaining substance indicators for up to 90 days. This gives employers a deeper understanding of an individual's substance history, which is crucial for making informed decisions.
The extended detection capability of hair follicle testing in Tryon, NC, makes it invaluable for employers. It allows for comprehensive evaluation of past substance use, enabling a better assessment of an individual's fitness for employment or other responsibilities.
Hair follicle tests in Tryon, NC, offer a robust defense against sample tampering. Unlike some other testing methods, hair testing significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring reliable results.
With their tamper-resistant nature, hair follicle tests provide Tryon, NC, employers with dependable outcomes. The integrity of hair testing is not easily compromised, allowing for genuine and unquestionable drug use results.
Our Tryon, NC, locations provide easy access to nationwide testing services. The abundance of testing centers ensures that obtaining necessary testing is both hassle-free and convenient, enabling timely services for employers and individuals alike.
Thanks to multiple locations, testing in Tryon, NC, and beyond is straightforward and efficient. The accessibility of local centers simplifies the logistics of hair follicle testing, enhancing user experience.
In Tryon, NC, the process for hair follicle testing is streamlined and confidential, creating a user-friendly experience. From order to results, privacy and simplicity are emphasized to ensure an effortless process.
The confidential nature of hair follicle testing in Tryon, NC, addresses privacy concerns. Simple procedures allow for easy testing, fostering trust and encouraging compliance without compromise.
Tryon, NC, benefits from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle testing. Competitive rates and swift results offer excellent value, making this testing method accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Hair follicle testing in Tryon, NC, is characterized by reasonable costs and quick results. This efficient combination ensures that companies receive high-quality service while maintaining budgetary considerations.
In Tryon, NC, hair follicle drug tests are applauded for their speed and precision. Unlike other testing methods, the hair follicle test provides fast results while maintaining a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use. This reliability makes it a preferred choice for those in need of precise detection of drug usage.
Quick and efficient, hair follicle tests deliver results that businesses can depend on. The meticulous analysis involved in this form of testing ensures confidence in the results received, ultimately aiding in faster decision-making processes.
Employers in Tryon, NC, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing safety. By reducing potential liabilities, companies uphold a secure working environment.
Hair follicle testing assures compliance with workplace regulations in Tryon, NC. It's an effective tool for maintaining drug-free policies, ensuring both legal adherence and the safety of employees and clients.
