Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Lowell, North Carolina. For hair or alcohol testing needs, we specialize in hair analysis, with testing centers available across cities nationwide to conduct tests. Generally, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches from the crown or body hair suffices. Hair tests are suitable for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other customized testing solutions.
Over recent years, drug testing methods are increasingly utilizing hair follicle tests. Numerous employers, legal entities, and substance abuse experts now prefer hair tests over urine tests. These tests are favored by zero-tolerance employers, courts, and probationary oversight. Their key advantage is a prolonged detection window of up to 90 days, observed during collection, making tampering virtually impossible. Yet, urine tests remain the most precise for recent use within 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 gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of substances through biomarkers trapped in the strands as they grow. When acquired near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol data spanning up to three months. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 strands near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For tests including EtG, add-ons, or over 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is preliminarily processed into a lab’s system, ensuring that it was correctly sealed and sent, generating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any supplemental data required beyond the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While being cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction procedure. In this step, drug concentration is derived from hair at a lower level relative to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive Screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called “hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lowell, NC
In Lowell, NC, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing due to its extended detection window and high sensitivity. Hair tests identify substance use accurately over weeks or months, unlike the shorter span urine tests offer. They boast greater reliability, minimizing false negatives and providing comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history, effectively enhancing workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Lowell, NC
Employers in Lowell, NC benefit from hair follicle testing's broad detection window, which extends up to 90 days. This method captures a longer history of an individual's substance use, offering a detailed reflection of habits. In doing so, it empowers employers to make informed decisions by evaluating extended substance use patterns, an advantage notably absent in shorter-term tests like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lowell, NC
Hair follicle testing in Lowell, NC, provides a tamper-resistant solution, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The process, conducted under observation, ensures the integrity of collected samples. This reliability makes it a favored choice among employers focused on obtaining trustworthy results, as it effectively seals off avenues for test manipulation, securing credible outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lowell, NC
Our network of testing centers, including those in Lowell, NC, ensures convenience for drug testing. The widespread availability of these centers facilitates effortless scheduling and access to testing services, accommodating both local and nationwide needs. With streamlined processes, individuals and companies alike experience hassle-free testing, underscoring the ease of widespread geographic accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lowell, NC
The hair follicle testing process in Lowell, NC, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step is straightforward and discreet, ensuring user privacy. This seamless approach assuages concerns about privacy breaches, offering a worry-free experience. Participants benefit from prompt service while their confidential data remains protected throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lowell, NC
In Lowell, NC, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, providing outstanding value. Companies, regardless of size, can leverage these cost-effective solutions to manage testing budgets efficiently. Additionally, the quick processing of samples ensures minimal wait times for results, granting businesses the assurance they need without unnecessary delay.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lowell, NC
Hair follicle drug testing stands out in Lowell, NC for its rapid, precise detection of substance use. Its high accuracy rate ensures employers receive dependable results. Unlike traditional methods, hair analysis swiftly identifies drug use, providing clarity and confidence in test outcomes. This reliability, coupled with quick answer time, fortifies its standing as a preferred testing method.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lowell, NC
Using hair follicle testing, employers in Lowell, NC, ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This practice curtails legal risks and enhances workplace safety by delivering accurate assessments of employees' substance use. Consequently, employers rest assured with reduced liability and a commitment to maintaining a healthy, secure work environment, advancing both policy adherence and organizational well-being.
