Based in Cary, North Carolina, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing. Whether it's for drugs or alcohol, our specialized hair testing services are available in locations across all cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown of your head or body can be used. These tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for other specific substances.
The popularity of hair follicle drug tests has risen among methods utilized for drug testing. A growing number of employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals now demand a hair drug test rather than standard urine testing. Hair follicle tests are preferred by companies with zero-tolerance drug policies and for individuals on probation. Their advantage includes an extended detection time, up to 90 days, collected through an observed process, and are almost immune to tampering. However, for detecting recent drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests remain the most accurate.
* 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 has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a comprehensive history by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as the hair grows. When samples are collected near the scalp, they can reveal alcohol and drug traces for up to about a 3-month period. Hair is easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
For screening and verification, a 1.5-inch section with around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp is required to obtain 100mg, which is the preferred quantity. For EtG, supplementary checks, and/or analyses above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is advisable. If head hair is unattainable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The testing procedure in a laboratory consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is first processed into the lab's system. This phase includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as an initial evaluation for substances of abuse. While it serves as an economical strategy to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples indicating prescriptive positive results during Screening need verification.
When screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at a significantly lower concentration relative to other forms like urine or oral fluid, posing a higher complexity in hair drug tests.
Drug screen results that indicate a positive outcome are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples go through a washing stage before confirmation as needed. The complete lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Cary, NC, the advantages are clear. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, ensuring past drug use is identified more effectively, whereas urine tests are limited to more recent consumption. Its superior accuracy and reliability make hair testing a preferred choice for companies needing thorough screening procedures.
Hair follicle testing in Cary, NC, provides an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, far exceeding the timeframe offered by most other testing methods. This prolonged period enables employers to garner a detailed history of an individual’s substance use, aiding in the comprehensive evaluation of their suitability for roles within the organization.
In Cary, NC, the hair follicle testing method serves as a robust deterrent against tampering or adulteration. Because the hair specimen reflects drug use over a longer time, it virtually eliminates the possibility of sample manipulation, thereby ensuring the results remain trustworthy and difficult to compromise.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its widespread presence across the country, including local centers in Cary, NC. Clients can access testing services swiftly and without hassle, ensuring a streamlined process for those seeking or required to undergo testing.
In Cary, NC, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From the initial order through the testing to the receipt of the results, each step is designed to protect clients’ privacy while providing an easy-to-navigate experience that addresses concerns about confidentiality and accessibility.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Cary, NC, ensures that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value. The balance of affordability with high-quality, swift service provides peace of mind for organizations aiming to maintain their drug testing programs.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Cary, NC, are unmatched. These tests are designed to provide highly accurate readings of substance use, ensuring that any records of drugs or alcohol consumption are detected swiftly and reliably. With a commitment to delivering fast results, individuals and employers can rely on these tests for timely information when it matters most.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Cary, NC, helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies efficiently. This method reduces the possibility of legal infractions and fosters a safer working environment. Companies can rest assured that their compliance efforts contribute to the wellbeing of their workforce.
