Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Canton, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands retain historical data of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strand fibers. When collected proximal to the scalp, hair can yield approximately a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of bodily hair may be used. References to head hair apply solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The principal steps in processing a laboratory drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning constitutes the preliminary integration of a sample into the laboratory framework. This step ensures the sample was rightly sealed and dispatched, assigns a randomly generated LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening executes an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse. Despite being an economical method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening necessitates confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples presumed positive in Screening must receive secondary validation.

Should a Screening result indicate a presumptive positive, further hair from the initial sample is utilized for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at markedly lower concentrations compared to alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening particularly challenging.

Positive results from screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Necessary presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory path from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized both under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can indicate drug consumption for up to 90 days, while urine tests have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical insight: It offers a timeline of drug usage over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable within hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variation: Influences like hair color and growth rate may alter drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Canton, NC, hair follicle testing proves superior due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a broader detection window, capturing months of substance history. Such comprehensive visibility aids employers and legal authorities in making informed decisions.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window in Canton, NC, is a significant advantage of hair follicle tests. By detecting drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests provide employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance history, which is critical for informed decision-making in hiring and maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Canton, NC, hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample alteration. This ensures the integrity of the testing process, providing reliable and unquestionable results to employers and legal authorities.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient nationwide testing locations are available for hair follicle testing, including in Canton, NC. Our widespread network ensures that testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free, ensuring that individuals and businesses can access the necessary services without delay.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle testing in Canton, NC, is both simple and confidential. Our straightforward protocols prioritize user privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about the complexity and security of the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair follicle testing in Canton, NC, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value, while speedy results provide peace of mind for companies of all sizes. This makes it a preferred choice for cost-conscious employers.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Canton, NC, is renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. The rigorous testing process ensures high precision in detecting substance use compared to other methods. Results are rapidly processed, providing individuals and organizations with the timely information they require.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Canton, NC, gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal risks and fosters a safer working environment, upholding standards and enhancing organizational integrity.

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