Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in Banner Elk, North Carolina. For those needing a hair or alcohol drug test, our expertise in hair testing is unmatched, with centers located nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or can be tailored for specific testing needs.
The trend in drug testing has increasingly favored hair follicle tests over recent years. Employers, legal systems, and addiction specialists often prefer hair tests over traditional urine tests. They cater to workplaces with zero-tolerance drug policies, judicial mandates, and probation requirements. The principal advantage of this method is the extended detection period, up to 90 days, offering heightened test security and minimized deception. However, urine tests remain optimal for detecting recent drug use within the past 5 days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term profile of alcohol and other substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand grows. Collecting hair near the scalp allows for an estimated 3-month window of detection for substances. Gathering hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for analysis and subsequent verification. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is advised. If scalp hair can't be collected, an equivalent mass of body hair is acceptable. The term "head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Synopsis
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning serves as the initial stage, where a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s framework. Procedures during this stage include confirming the proper sealing and delivery of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary, swift assessment for substance misuse. While it's a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Samples that are potentially positive during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
If a sample tests potentially positive during Screening, extra hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at notably reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most intricate method.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation is completed, as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation follows review criteria under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Banner Elk, NC, hair follicle testing consistently proves superior to urine tests due to its heightened detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing boasts an extensive detection window and consistently reliable results, making it indispensable for employers and legal entities.
Hair follicle testing in Banner Elk, NC is distinguished by its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over an impressive 90-day span. This provides employers with a clear overview of an individual's substance history, facilitating informed hiring and workplace safety decisions.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Banner Elk, NC is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring results that are both reliable and beyond reproach.
With numerous testing centers across the nation, including those in Banner Elk, NC, accessing our hair follicle testing services has never been more convenient. Our strategic locations ensure a seamless and hassle-free testing experience for all clients.
The process for hair follicle testing in Banner Elk, NC is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result acquisition, privacy and user-friendliness are prioritized, providing a seamless experience for all involved.
In Banner Elk, NC, our hair follicle drug testing offers affordable pricing combined with swift turnaround times. This balance ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes, providing assurance and confidence in testing decisions.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Banner Elk, NC ensures results that are both rapid and trustworthy. With its enhanced accuracy, this method stands as a top choice for identifying substance use.
Employers in Banner Elk, NC gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This proactive approach plays a pivotal role in minimizing legal risks and fortifying workplace safety.