Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Eastover, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has been acknowledged as a vital mechanism for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the advancing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and effortless to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we are referring solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four fundamental stages in processing a drug test result within the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory's system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched properly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not incorporated through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening pertains to an initial rapid analysis for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening indeed need further confirmation.

If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests are able to identify drug use for up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which have a narrower detection interval.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is quite challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, thus leading to more accurate results.
• Provides historical data: It establishes a pattern of drug use over an extended timeframe, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to be discernible in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests typically incur higher expenses than other methods of drug testing.
• Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites present in the hair.

Note: Despite oftentimes being termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Eastover, NC, hair follicle tests stand out against urine testing due to their superior detection rates.

• The hair analysis covers up to 90 days of drug use, unlike the brief window of urine tests.
• Employers and legal bodies value this comprehensive timeframe for a thorough assessment of drug history.
• With a longer window, hair tests offer a proactive approach to maintaining a safe workplace.

Therefore, the hair follicle test remains the preferred choice for ensuring accuracy in drug history evaluations.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Eastover, NC, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, looking back up to 90 days.

• This lengthy period provides a broader understanding of an individual's drug habits.
• Such comprehensive insights assist in making informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
• It fills the need for a thorough and reliable drug usage history compared to shorter-duration tests.

The extended observation period thus supports enhanced workplace safety and informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Eastover, NC, is lauded for being tamper-resistant.

• The sample collection is straightforward yet challenging to adulterate or substitute.
• This quality reduces the chances of manipulation, ensuring integrity in results.
• Employers gain confidence in test outcomes with minimized risk of deception.

With secure testing processes, reliability strengthens compliance with stringent drug policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is essential in Eastover, NC, as we offer nationwide testing centers for hair follicle testing.

• Access is quick and seamless, ensuring minimal disruptions.
• Nationwide availability guarantees easy scheduling of tests at preferred locations.
• The accessible process makes it convenient for individual and organizational drug testing needs.

This broad network simplifies testing logistics, ensuring hassle-free procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Eastover, NC, ensures privacy and ease.

• Ordering a test is straightforward, promoting seamless execution.
• Confidentiality is upheld from appointment scheduling to result delivery.
• Concern-free, clients experience efficiency without compromising on privacy.

Thus, confidentiality paired with simplicity defines our testing processes, creating peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Eastover, NC, offers hair follicle testing with affordable pricing and fast turnaround times.

• Competitive rates ensure accessibility to top-tier testing services without financial burden.
• Quick result delivery enhances efficiency, essential for timely decisions.
• Organizations of all sizes benefit from cost-effective services, maintaining budget integrity.

These factors combine to deliver exceptional value and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle test in Eastover, NC, is synonymous with speed, accuracy, and reliability.

• Unlike urine testing, hair analysis detects a broader spectrum of substances swiftly.
• Its precision in capturing long-term drug usage outweighs traditional methods.
• Experience timely and dependable results that enhance confidence in testing procedures.

Choosing this method ensures prompt results, supporting both employers' and individuals' testing needs efficiently, fostering an environment of trust and accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Eastover, NC, employing hair follicle testing ensures compliance and assurance for workplaces.

• Adhering to drug-free policies mitigates legal risks associated with workplace incidents.
• This method bolsters workplace safety, fostering a harmonious and secure environment.
• Compliance is easily maintained as employers implement stringent drug testing regimes.

Overall, hair follicle testing supports both legal adherence and a peaceful workplace.

Drug Testing Near Eastover, NC

Salemburg, NC

Bunnlevel, NC

Fort Bragg, NC

Spring Lake, NC

Hope Mills, NC

Linden, NC

Autryville, NC

Godwin, NC

Falcon, NC

Bonnie Doone, NC

Stedman, NC

Fayetteville, NC

Wade, NC

Cumberland, NC

Vander, NC