Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hertford, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing strand. When taken near the scalp, it can provide information on alcohol and drug use for up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for testing. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels over 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes other types like facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The four core processes in the lab evaluation of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the introduction of a sample into the lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.

Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of misuse. While cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive Screening must be confirmed for court acceptability. Samples that appear positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.

If Screening suggests positivity, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing more challenging to conduct.

Any positive Screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washings before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection durations.
• Hard to cheat: It's extremely difficult to tamper with hair drug tests, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Provides usage history: Offers a timeline of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hertford, NC: Hair testing offers superior benefits when compared to urine tests. With its ability to detect substances over a more extended period, it ensures higher accuracy and reliability, presenting a more complete picture of an individual's substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hertford, NC: Hair follicle testing uncovers drug use over a remarkably long duration of up to 90 days. This extensive window provides employers with a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history, which is invaluable for making informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hertford, NC: The hair follicle test minimizes the potential for sample tampering. Its robustness lies in the fact that altering or adulterating a sample becomes extremely difficult, offering reliable results that can be trusted.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hertford, NC: Our testing facilities are strategically situated nationwide for easy and convenient access. The process is seamless, providing hassle-free testing services that are just around the corner.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hertford, NC: Our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. We prioritize privacy and simplicity, thus addressing any personal concerns with ease and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hertford, NC: Competitive pricing combined with quick turnaround times mean great value for businesses of all sizes. Our efficient service underlines our commitment to providing cost-effective and timely solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hertford, NC: Hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional speed and precision in detecting substance use. The reliability of these tests ensures that results are both quick and accurate, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals seeking dependable testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hertford, NC: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also promotes a safer, more secure working environment for everyone involved.

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