Hair Follicle Drug Testing - King, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers within the hair shaft's fibers. When hair is taken from the area closest to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for roughly 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to falsify, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample taken near the scalp, measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil), will yield 100mg, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for measuring the specimen weight is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. In mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The four key stages in the analysis of a drug test result by a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's database. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not captured by the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drug consumption. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be authenticated to hold legal validity. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive during Screening need further confirmation.

If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further processing. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other procedures (like urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is utilized for the Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the laboratory procedure is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can trace drug consumption for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, enhancing result reliability.
• Delivers historical usage trends: It provides insights into drug consumption over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent drug use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Individual factors like hair color and growth rate can influence the concentration of drug traces in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself targets the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in King, NC

• Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers superior detection accuracy, ensuring reliable results.
• The method boasts an extensive detection window, capturing substance use history more effectively than traditional urine tests.
• Employers benefit from greater insight into applicants, enhancing workplace integrity and safety.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in King, NC

• Hair follicle tests offer a longer detection period, revealing drug use history up to 90 days.
• This extended window grants employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits.
• Employees and applicants are subject to a thorough analysis, ensuring a safer workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in King, NC

• Hair tests significantly deter sample adulteration, offering unquestionable results.
• This method undergoes a stringent collection process, making it nearly impossible to manipulate.
• Employers and professionals gain greater confidence in the integrity of the results obtained.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in King, NC

• Benefit from a network of testing centers, guaranteeing quick and accessible services.
• Easy access to testing ensures minimal disruption, supporting timely drug screening needs.
• Nationwide locations mean individuals can readily find a center nearby for efficient service.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in King, NC

• Enjoy a process that's both simple and ensures privacy from test order to result receipt.
• Concerns regarding confidentiality are well managed, providing peace of mind throughout.
• Streamlined procedures mean engaging in the testing process is straightforward and unintrusive.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in King, NC

• Competitive pricing structures offer excellent value, ensuring budget-friendly testing solutions.
• Swift result delivery aligns with the needs of companies of all sizes, maintaining efficiency.
• Combining affordability with rapid service provides peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in King, NC

• Hair follicle testing is renowned for its accuracy, providing swift and dependable results when identifying substance use.
• With efficient processing, the findings are delivered promptly, offering timely insights for decision-making.
• Count on precise results that bolster confidence in the employment screening process, helping maintain a drug-free environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in King, NC

• Incorporating hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies.
• Reduces legal risks tied to employee substance use, enhancing overall safety.
• Businesses can focus on productivity, assured of their employees' adherence to set policies.

Drug Testing Near King, NC

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