Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Elizabethtown, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying misuse of drugs and alcohol. The strands trap biological markers within their fibers, delivering a comprehensive historical record of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair analyses offer a detection reach of around 90 days for drugs and alcohol. The specimen is straightforward to gather, less likely to be tampered with, and uncomplicated to transport.

An optimal 1.5-inch hair sample, amounting to roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), yields about 100mg, appropriate for both screening and corroborating results. For tests over 10 panels, EtG, or additional components, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the hair. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity from body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

A Glance at the Procedure

The core phases in lab processing of drug tests include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This confirms that the sample is correctly sealed and sent, attaches a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entries not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary scan for drug abuse. While it's a cost-saving approach to eliminate drug use for most specimens, a positive outcome needs verification for legal standards. Presumptively positive screenings necessitate further corroboration.

When a specimen tests presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the primary sample for Extraction. This step isolates drugs from the hair at notably lower concentrations than urine or oral fluid methods, highlighting the complexity in performing hair drug analysis.

Confirmation for positive screenings occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, presumptive samples are cleansed as required. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under the review of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Hair drug screening benefits:

• Extended detection: Hair tests trace drug use over 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter durations.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating on hair drug tests is challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers use trends: It shows drug use patterns over time, rather than merely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• No detection of recent use: Drugs become visible in hair only about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expenses: Hair analysis tends to cost more compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth rates may influence metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests in Elizabethtown, NC.
While urine tests cover recent drug use, hair testing provides a broader timeline of substance use patterns, making it invaluable for employers and legal entities. It's less prone to tampering, enhancing reliability for comprehensive evaluations.

Extended Detection Window

In Elizabethtown, NC, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window, up to 90 days.
This feature delivers employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance history. Contrary to urine tests, hair tests ensure long-term insights, vital for making informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Elizabethtown, NC, relies on hair follicle tests for their tamper-resistant nature.
The structure of hair samples reduces alteration risks, offering results that are trustworthy and definitive.

It's the testing method of choice for those who prioritize data integrity and precision, ensuring a reliable, unbiased testing process that traditional methods may not guarantee.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our widespread testing facilities offer unmatched convenience in Elizabethtown, NC.
Clients benefit from our extensive network, ensuring swift, easy access to testing services without geographic restrictions.

With a commitment to hassle-free experiences, accessing reliable testing services has never been simpler nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

Elizabethtown, NC offers a streamlined and private process for hair testing.
The method simplifies scheduling, testing, and result retrieval, addressing confidentiality and ease-of-use concerns. It ensures individuals and businesses can manage testing efficiently while keeping sensitive information secure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Elizabethtown, NC excels in offering affordable hair testing services with fast turnaround times.
Our competitive pricing ensures companies get the best value without compromising quality or speed, crucial for maintaining operational efficiency across organizations of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hallmark of hair follicle drug testing is its precision and speed. Operating in Elizabethtown, NC, these tests are recognized for their rapid results and high accuracy in identifying substance use.
With a streamlined process, hair testing ensures reliable outcomes quicker than traditional methods.
This swift turnaround is essential for both individuals and organizations seeking prompt results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For Elizabethtown, NC employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace mandates.
This testing method not only provides peace of mind through rigorous substance screenings but also mitigates legal and safety risks, creating a safer work environment.

Drug Testing Near Elizabethtown, NC

Hallsboro, NC

Kelly, NC

Ivanhoe, NC

Ingold, NC

Whiteville, NC

Jerome, NC

Garland, NC

Butters, NC

Tar Heel, NC

Bladenboro, NC

Abbottsburg, NC

Clarkton, NC

Dublin, NC

White Lake, NC

Mount Olive, NC