Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By entrapping biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it gives a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug intake. When obtained near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a specimen into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent from a digital chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for negating drug use in most specimens, a positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Presumptive positive samples during Screening necessitate secondary verification.
For samples indicated as presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening highly challenging.
Confirming any positive Screening outcome is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug screening:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis reviews the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Abbottsburg, NC
Hair follicle tests boast significant advantages over traditional urine tests, including superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can uncover long-term patterns of drug use, providing a more comprehensive analysis. This enhanced precision and reliability in results give employers greater confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Abbottsburg, NC
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can reveal drug use history up to 90 days prior. This extensive period offers employers a broader view of an individual's substance use pattern, aiding in more informed decision-making regarding hiring and employee management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Abbottsburg, NC
Hair follicle testing stands out for its robust resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests are challenging to adulterate, ensuring the integrity of the sample. This makes them an invaluable resource for reliable, unquestioned test results, critical for maintaining trust and accountability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Options in Abbottsburg, NC
The extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing, whether locally in Abbottsburg or nationwide. This ease of availability simplifies the testing process, providing quick and hassle-free services to meet any organization's needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Abbottsburg, NC
The process for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and private. From ordering to collection and delivery of results, each step is designed to ensure confidentiality and ease. This approach addresses privacy concerns while simplifying the procedure for users and organizations alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Abbottsburg, NC
Our testing services offer competitive pricing without compromising on speed or quality. The swift turnaround for results, coupled with cost-effective pricing, represents substantial value for businesses, enabling them to remain budget-conscious while prioritizing workplace safety.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Abbottsburg, NC
Hair follicle tests deliver unparalleled precision, quickly identifying substance use. The advanced technology ensures high accuracy, making it the method of choice for detecting drug use among employees. Results are processed rapidly, offering prompt feedback, essential for organizations that demand reliability and timely data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Abbottsburg, NC
Employing hair follicle testing helps companies adhere to strict drug-free workplace policies, thereby mitigating legal concerns and bolstering workplace safety. With this method, employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are proactive in maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
