Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Valley Hill, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can yield a detection span of nearly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to adulterate, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and assays exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We advocate weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. “Head hair” signifies scalp hair exclusively, while “body hair” encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome comprises four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. This includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not encompassed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial swift inspection for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly technique to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be accepted in legal scenarios. Presumptively positive samples in Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

A positive screening result is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can detect drug consumption for up to 90 days, differing from urine tests which possess a reduced detection span.
• Difficulty to cheat: It’s notably challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, largely enhancing the results' precision.
• Provides historical data: The test can deliver a usage pattern over time, not just immediate use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Approximately 5-7 days are necessary for drugs to manifest in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than alternative drug testing methodologies.
• Variations in results: Circumstances such as hair color and individual hair growth fluctuations can influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: While often labeled as “hair follicle tests”, the examination itself targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair and urine testing in Valley Hill, NC, hair testing offers distinct advantages. The accuracy of hair tests allows for a broader picture of drug use, outpacing traditional urine tests that only capture recent activity. Hair tests are less susceptible to manipulation, offering unparalleled reliability in substance detection.

Extended Detection Window

In Valley Hill, NC, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of substance use, reaching up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a comprehensive understanding of a person's drug use history, far exceeding the limited scope of short-term detection offered by traditional methods like urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Valley Hill, NC sees hair follicle testing as a tamper-resistant option, significantly curtailing the chance of sample adulteration. This method secures reliable, unchallengeable results, ensuring that the integrity of the testing process is maintained throughout, which is crucial for accurate assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous accredited testing centers, including in Valley Hill, NC, accessing hair follicle testing is both convenient and straightforward. Our widespread locations ensure that individuals and employers can easily reach a center, streamlining the testing process with minimal effort.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ordering and receiving hair follicle test results in Valley Hill, NC is simple and discreet. Our process prioritizes privacy and ease, allowing individuals to complete the procedure without unnecessary complexity, ensuring a straightforward experience from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Valley Hill, NC, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced, offering fast turnaround times. This cost-effective approach aligns with the needs of organizations of all sizes, delivering valuable testing services that keep companies informed without breaking the budget.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Valley Hill, NC are renowned for their speed and precision. With advanced technology, they can quickly and accurately detect a wide array of substances. This precision allows for confident decision-making in professional and legal environments, making them an ideal choice for those seeking reliable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Valley Hill, NC find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this method, companies minimize legal exposure and foster a safer working environment, aligning with broader organizational health and safety goals.

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