Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Holly Ridge, North Carolina. If you require a drug or alcohol test using hair samples, Accredited Drug Testing is your expert choice for hair testing, with our testing facilities located in every major city across the Nation. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is needed from your head or body. Hair testing can be done for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific hair test requirements.
Over the past few years, there's been an increasing shift towards hair follicle drug testing methods. A number of employers, legal systems, and substance abuse professionals are opting for hair drug testing over traditional urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, the judiciary, and those on probation utilize hair follicle tests. The key advantage of this method is its longer detection period for drugs, spanning up to 90 days. It's collected in a monitored process, making it incredibly hard to manipulate. However, urine tests still remain the most precise for recent drug use within the past 5 days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures long-term data on drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. Hair taken close to the scalp can offer a detection window of up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening purposes. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest checking the weight of the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When speaking of head hair, it's specifically scalp hair. Body hair refers to other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample is securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning a random laboratory accessioning number (LAN), and filling in any extra data not included in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary fast check for substances. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive screen needs further validation to be applicable in legal proceedings. Any samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a minimal concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is notably complex.
Confirming any positive result from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Holly Ridge, NC
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the advantages of hair testing become clear. Hair testing provides a superior ability to detect drug use over extended periods, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. With enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing ensures a robust framework for maintaining a drug-free environment in Holly Ridge workplaces.
Extended Detection Window in Holly Ridge, NC
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its long detection window. Unlike other methods, it can identify drug use up to 90 days after consumption. This extended timeframe provides employers in Holly Ridge with a thorough understanding of a candidate’s or employee’s past drug use, supporting informed decision-making and reinforcing workplace drug policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Holly Ridge, NC
Hair follicle tests are designed to be tamper-proof, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures the results remain trustworthy and accurate, which is critical for entities seeking reliable drug testing methods. The integrity of hair testing procedures gives employers in Holly Ridge the confidence that results genuinely reflect an individual's substance use history.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Holly Ridge, NC
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees convenience for those needing drug testing services in Holly Ridge. With nationwide coverage, accessing hair follicle testing facilities is straightforward, ensuring service availability anywhere. This accessibility streamlines the testing process, providing a seamless experience without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Holly Ridge, NC
The process for ordering and conducting hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy concerns. Users can trust that their information remains confidential from start to finish. These streamlined procedures ensure ease, encouraging more people to conduct tests without worry, knowing their privacy is safeguarded.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Holly Ridge, NC
Our competitive pricing structure offers excellent value for hair follicle tests, combined with quick turnaround times. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with speedy results, makes it an appealing option for businesses of all sizes in Holly Ridge, ensuring they receive the best value while maintaining high standards in drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Holly Ridge, NC
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering swift and precise outcomes. Their accuracy in identifying drug use makes them a preferred choice for many. Offering quick turnaround times without sacrificing reliability ensures individuals and organizations in Holly Ridge receive dependable results promptly. This speed and precision make hair tests an essential tool in maintaining compliance with drug policies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Holly Ridge, NC
Employers benefit significantly from incorporating hair follicle testing into their drug-free workplace policies. This method enhances compliance and minimizes legal risks while promoting safety. Ensuring adherence to regulations while maintaining a secure environment offers peace of mind, allowing employers in Holly Ridge to focus on business operations.