Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Chapel Hill, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair assessment is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands document an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers into their fibers during growth. When sampling near the scalp, hair can yield a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to obtain, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

Collecting a 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will furnish 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for assessment and verification. For EtG, supplementary, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We propose using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If hair from the scalp is lacking, a corresponding amount of body hair may be obtained. When we refer to head hair, it is specifically about scalp hair. Body hair pertains to other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages involved in processing a drug test result within a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.

Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive initial test needs validation to be legally acceptable. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample show a preliminary positive result in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in substantially lower concentrations compared to other systems (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis one of the most complex strategies to undertake.

Verification of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The laboratory’s entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Merits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug presence up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which offer a shorter detection span.
• Challenging to manipulate: It is highly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing accuracy of outcomes.
• Delivers historical insights: It can depict a trajectory of drug consumption over time, not merely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Chapel Hill, NC offers a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. Compared to urine tests, hair tests provide a more reliable detection method. Hair samples can trace substance use back up to 90 days, surpassing the short detection window of urine tests. This extended period aids employers in making informed hiring decisions based on thorough past substance use analysis.

Extended Detection Window

One remarkable feature of hair follicle testing in Chapel Hill, NC is its ability to detect drug use over a stretched period of up to 90 days. This extensive detection window allows employers to obtain a comprehensive perspective on an individual’s history with substance use. Such long-term detection is pivotal for maintaining workplace safety and trust, providing assurance about an applicant’s past behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test's tamper-resistant nature is a significant advantage in Chapel Hill, NC. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are much harder to adulterate or alter. This characteristic ensures the integrity of the sample and the test results, assuring employers and professionals of the authenticity of the data acquired. It eliminates doubts and reinforces confidence in the screening process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of having testing centers nationwide, including those in Chapel Hill, NC, is a crucial aspect of hair follicle testing services. The widespread availability ensures that individuals and companies can access testing facilities with ease, no matter their location. This accessibility simplifies the testing process, encouraging more individuals to engage in drug-free initiatives promptly and efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Chapel Hill, NC, the simplicity and confidentiality of the hair follicle testing process are vital. The straightforward procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results addresses privacy concerns, ensuring that personal data is handled securely. This streamlined approach makes it easier for individuals and businesses to engage in drug testing without unnecessary complications or privacy worries.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing an appealing option for businesses in Chapel Hill, NC. The competitive rates provide exceptional value, catering to companies of all sizes. Along with this, the swift processing of tests ensures results are delivered promptly, allowing businesses to make timely decisions, thus enhancing overall peace of mind and operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Chapel Hill, NC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. The advanced technology used in hair testing ensures fast results without compromising on precision. These tests can detect a wide range of substances accurately, offering a reliable insight into an individual’s drug use history. Timely and precise results are indispensable for critical decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Chapel Hill, NC, hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By implementing this reliable testing method, companies can minimize legal risks associated with drug use and foster a safe work environment. Hair testing provides peace of mind, as it effectively contributes to adherence to regulations and promotes a culture of responsibility and safety.

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