Hair Follicle Drug Testing - East Rockingham, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has increasingly been acknowledged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and various substances by embedding biomarkers within the developing hair's fibers. When acquired near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month observation period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.

A sample of 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, supplementary, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This step entails verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not obtained by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a rapid initial test for drug presence. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means of ruling out drug consumption in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.

For specimens that test presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection duration.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair test is quite challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical consumption pattern: It offers a timeline of drug use over a period, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent usage detection: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and individual growth rates can impact drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in East Rockingham, NC, offers several advantages over traditional urine testing. Among them,

• superior detection accuracy,
• greater reliability,
• and a lengthier detection window of up to 90 days.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in East Rockingham, NC, is a major benefit. It allows employers to get a

• more thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug use history,
• covering up to 90 days,
• and offering a clearer picture of long-term drug habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in East Rockingham, NC, is a tamper-resistant method. These tests significantly

• reduce the risk of sample adulteration,
• provide unquestionable results,
• and offer peace of mind with reliable findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient and accessible testing locations in East Rockingham, NC, Accredited Drug Testing ensures

• quick and easy access to services,
• hassle-free testing experience,
• and efficiently meeting client needs nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in East Rockingham, NC, is simple and confidential. It involves

• easy ordering steps,
• privacy in sample collection,
• and securely receiving test results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In East Rockingham, NC, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and rapid results. Companies benefit from

• competitive pricing structures,
• swift turnaround times,
• and exceptional value.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In East Rockingham, NC, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, precise, and reliable outcomes. These tests are recognized for their

• high accuracy in determining substance use,
• speedy analysis process,
• and ability to detect a wide range of drugs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in East Rockingham, NC, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method

• ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies,
• minimizes legal risks,
• and enhances overall workplace safety.

Drug Testing Near East Rockingham, NC

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