Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Elon, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to 3 months for substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it is relatively resistant to tampering, and it's also easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advocated. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves checking that the sample was sealed and transported securely, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary swift assessment for drug presence. While it's an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening outcome requires corroboration for legal acceptance. Any samples preliminarily positive during Screening necessitate an auxiliary confirmation.

For samples initially positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. At this phase, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby labeling hair drug testing as the most complex methodology.

Confirmation of any positive findings from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS technologies. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair testing can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is remarkably hard, ensuring higher accuracy in the results.
• Historical insights: It reveals a pattern of substance use over time, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect immediate use: Drugs become noticeable in hair around 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is generally costlier than alternate drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this evaluation actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Elon, NC

• Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests.
• With a much longer detection window, it provides a comprehensive view of substance use.
• Employers benefit from highly reliable results in enforcing zero-tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Elon, NC

• Hair follicle testing detects drugs over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of an individual’s drug use.
• This extended window allows employers to understand the long-term substance habits of employees or applicants.
• Organizations can make informed hiring decisions based on comprehensive substance history insights.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Elon, NC

• Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring result integrity.
• Samples are difficult to adulterate, providing trustworthy and unquestionable outcomes.
• This method offers peace of mind to employers and officials needing accurate drug-use assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Elon, NC

• Testing centers are strategically located nationwide, including locally in Elon, for convenient access.
• These locations simplify the testing process, making it easy and hassle-free.
• Individuals and companies benefit from quick and straightforward testing service accessibility.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Elon, NC

• The process for ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward and confidential.
• Individuals can be assured of privacy throughout each step of the drug testing procedure.
• Efficiency and discretion are key, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Elon, NC

• Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures suitable for businesses of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround times ensure rapid access to results, boosting operational efficacy.
• Organizations benefit from great value without compromising on service quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Elon, NC

• Hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in precision, providing speedy and highly accurate detection of substance use.
• Employing advanced technology, these tests offer quick turnaround times without compromising accuracy.
• Individuals and employers alike can trust in the reliable results delivered rapidly, aiding in timely decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Elon, NC

• Hair follicle testing aids in upholding workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks.
• Such testing enhances safety by ensuring employees adhere to workplace substance policies.
• Employers experience peace of mind through reliable and foolproof testing methods.

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