Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Eden, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now considered an effective method to identify substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding chemical markers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When trimmed near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to dispatch.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial tests and verifications. To perform tests like EtG, additional analyses, or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It’s best to weigh this sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair can be used instead. Mention of head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, armpit, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in laboratory handling of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary treatment of a sample within a lab’s protocol. This involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, creating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for drug misuse. While it’s a cost-efficient method to exclude drug intake in most samples, any positive results from Screening need validation to be admissible legally. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.

In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), thereby making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Strengths of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug intake for up to 90 days, unlike urine testing, which shows a shorter detection range.
• Difficult to deceive: Tampering with a hair drug test is highly challenging, making the outcomes more reliable.
• Reveals historical usage: It can exhibit a drug usage pattern over a duration, not merely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to identify recent intake: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally incurs higher costs than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolites concentration in hair.

Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eden, NC
Advantages of hair tests over traditional urine methods include superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests cover a longer time frame and are less susceptible to tampering, making them an ideal choice for employers seeking a thorough substance use evaluation.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Eden, NC
Hair follicle drug testing offers a significant advantage with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive window allows employers in Eden to gain insights into an individual's substance history, offering a broader perspective on their lifestyle choices.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eden, NC
Hair follicle tests dramatically reduce the likelihood of sample tampering, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This testing method ensures integrity throughout the process, offering employers peace of mind regarding the accuracy of the findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eden, NC
Our extensive network of testing centers makes accessing our services both hassle-free and efficient. With locations spread nationwide, including Eden, companies can capitalize on our broad reach ensuring swift and seamless testing experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Eden, NC
Our testing procedures are straightforward and protect client privacy. From ordering to result collection, every step is designed to be user-friendly and discreet, addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining a high standard of confidentiality throughout the entire process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eden, NC
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid result delivery ensure that businesses of all sizes receive outstanding value and peace of mind. The quick turnaround times reflect our commitment to providing fast, economical solutions to meet all drug testing needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eden, NC
Hair follicle drug tests excel in speed and precision, ensuring rapid and dependable detection of substance use. The meticulous examination process identifies even minute traces of drugs, providing high accuracy unmatched by other testing methods. These tests furnish employers with swift and trustworthy results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eden, NC
Implementing hair follicle testing can enforce compliance with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal liabilities and fostering a safer work environment. Employers gain assurance from knowing they have the tools to uphold their workforce standards effectively.

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