Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lexington, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective tool for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to alter, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hairs (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into the lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do call for further confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Provides historical data: Offers a history of drug use over an extended period, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: Hair follicle testing in Lexington stands out due to its superior detection capabilities. Compared to urine tests, hair tests provide enhanced accuracy and a longer detection window.

• Reliability: Hair testing detects a wide array of substances effectively, offering consistent results.
• Detection Period: It surpasses urine tests by detecting drug use over an extended timeframe.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Lexington, NC, allows employers to uncover drug use over a period extending up to 90 days.

• This prolonged timeframe grants a comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits.
• With such an extended window, employers gain a more detailed perspective of an individual’s history, aiding in informed hiring or personnel decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Lexington, NC, hair follicle tests provide a robust mechanism to minimize the risk of sample tampering.

• The method offers reliable and decisive results, ensuring sample integrity.
• Unlike some other testing methods, the nature of hair testing makes it extremely difficult to manipulate, offering courts and employers unquestionable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Accredited Drug Testing boasts widespread locations, providing effortless access for individuals in Lexington, NC.

• Our multiple locations ensure that testing is convenient and hassle-free, adaptable to your schedule.
• The accessibility of our centers ensures prompt service, facilitating quick and straightforward testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process: In Lexington, NC, Accredited Drug Testing offers a streamlined process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results.

• Addressing privacy concerns, the process prioritizes confidentiality and ease of use.
• The straightforward steps alleviate concerns, ensuring customer assurance and privacy from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Lexington businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid test results.

• Our cost-effective packages cater to companies of all sizes, enhancing value for our services.
• The swift turnaround time ensures peace of mind, providing timely results without compromising quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lexington, NC, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and rapid results, making them highly dependable. The methodology ensures accurate detection of substance use, showcasing its reliability over other testing techniques.
Employers and individuals benefit from swift and exact results, reinforcing the credibility of hair testing. Speed and precision in drug detection are crucial, particularly for workplaces maintaining strict substance-use policies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Using hair follicle testing in Lexington guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies.

• Employers can mitigate legal risks and heighten workplace safety.
• Implementing reliable testing helps maintain a safe and compliant work environment, providing reassurance to both employers and employees.

Drug Testing Near Lexington, NC

High Rock, NC

Bermuda Run, NC

Franklinville, NC

Trinity, NC

Clemmons, NC

Denton, NC

Wallburg, NC

East Spencer, NC

Advance, NC

Southmont, NC

Spencer, NC

Thomasville, NC

Tyro, NC

Welcome, NC

Bethesda, NC