Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hickory, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair captures a detailed record of alcohol and substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the fiber structure of the growing strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil size) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimum sample size for preliminary and subsequent testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equal quantity of body hair may be an alternative. By head hair, we specify scalp hair only. All other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.) are classified as body hair.

Process Overview

The key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is concerned with the initial preparation of a sample into a lab's framework. It involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were executed correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling additional data entries that might be essential beyond the electronic chain of custody documentation.

Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most cases, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal admissibility. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

For samples marked as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, substances are removed from hair at a lower concentration than seen in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which highlights the complexity of hair drug screening processes.

Confirmation of all positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: It can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which offer a less extended detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: A hair drug test is notably challenging to manipulate, ensuring more reliable results.
• Provides historical data: It supplies a pattern of drug use over time, as opposed to merely indicating recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Cost: Hair drug testing tends to have higher costs compared to alternative methods.
• Variations in results: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing detection accuracy, hair follicle testing stands superior to traditional urine assessments. In Hickory, NC, the choice is clear for those requiring thoroughness. Hair samples offer a broader detection spectrum and longer usability timeframe, making them invaluable for accurate drug history insights. Their credibility surpasses urine tests, providing heightened confidence in test outcomes.

Hair tests are particularly adept at revealing long-term drug patterns, unlike urine tests, which may only show recent use. This reliability makes them indispensable for employers and institutions in Hickory, NC, seeking to uphold stringent standards. The ability to register a history extends the advantage over conventional methods, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window provided by hair follicle tests is a game-changer in Hickory, NC. Unlike other testing methods, hair testing provides a lookback period of up to 90 days, enabling a detailed narrative of a subject's substance use history. This period gives employers a panoramic view of behavior over time, far exceeding the narrower detection scope of traditional tests.

This prolonged detection capability translates into a more informed decision-making process for businesses and legal professionals in Hickory, NC. With the ability to detect usage patterns over months, hair follicle testing offers an in-depth perspective, aiding in comprehensive evaluations and promoting informed assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests boast a tamper-resistant design, greatly lowering the likelihood of sample manipulation. For residents of Hickory, NC, this ensures that test outcomes remain uncontested and credible, shielding the process from external interference. In turn, this reliability inspires trust in the results delivered.

The integrity of hair testing as a tamper-proof method is unmatched, affording organizations and courts in Hickory, NC, peace of mind in knowing results are genuine. This security measures elevate the credibility of the testing process, confirming its status as a most reliable testing standard.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of facilities ensures that Hickory, NC residents have easy access to local and nationwide testing services. This geographical convenience promises that drug testing services are readily available wherever you are located, streamlining the process from start to finish and removing logistical barriers.

The simplicity of accessing testing sites across Hickory, NC, exemplifies our commitment to convenience. With facilities positioned for maximum accessibility, the hair follicle testing process is devoid of unnecessary complications, rendering it a practical choice for individuals and organizations alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Hickory, NC, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering the test to taking samples and obtaining results, each step is designed to preserve confidentiality and user-friendliness. Individuals and companies can benefit from an effortless experience that respects privacy at every stage.

The entire process ensures ease of use, reassuring participants that their information stays secure. Residents in Hickory, NC can trust the system's integrity, knowing their results are not only accurate but also handled with the utmost discretion from inception to completion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing structures make hair follicle testing accessible to businesses throughout Hickory, NC, without sacrificing quality or reliability. Companies of every size can enjoy exceptional value, thanks to reasonably priced services that offer superior drug testing outcomes.

Timely turnaround times complement the affordable nature of our testing services. Without lengthy waiting periods, test results are provided swiftly, ensuring peace of mind for both individuals and organizations. This combination of cost-effectiveness and promptness makes hair follicle testing an excellent choice.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug testing make it an optimal choice. Its exceptional accuracy in identifying drug use is unmatched, providing fast and reliable results. For residents in Hickory, NC, this means having confidence in the validity of every test conducted, ensuring that every analysis meets high standards of thoroughness and accuracy.

Offering unparalleled speed in the processing of results, hair follicle testing minimizes waiting times without compromising quality. This ensures that individuals and organizations in Hickory, NC, can receive their testing outcomes promptly, arming them with the necessary information swiftly. By utilizing advanced methodologies, hair tests deliver results with both speed and precision.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle testing in Hickory, NC, allows employers to secure compliance with drug-free policies. Maintaining a drug-free workplace not only minimizes legal liabilities but also augments workplace safety. Knowing they have employed a highly dependable testing method, managers can rest assured in the worthiness of the process.

With a seamless integration into existing compliance frameworks, the peace of mind afforded to Hickory, NC employers is invaluable. The meticulous results from hair tests reinforce their commitment to a secure and legally compliant working environment, thus benefiting both management and employees.

Drug Testing Near Hickory, NC

Rutherford College, NC

Claremont, NC

Sawmills, NC

Connelly Springs, NC

Icard, NC

Catawba, NC

Granite Falls, NC

Conover, NC

Rhodhiss, NC

Hildebran, NC

Saint Stephens, NC

Northlakes, NC

Longview, NC

St. Stephens, NC

Brookford, NC