Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lumberton, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a long-term record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 90-day detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample from roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests and tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the sample's initial introduction into the lab’s system. This step involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While screening is a cost-effective approach to discount drug use in most samples, any positive results must undergo confirmation to be admissible in legal settings. Samples showing positive presumptive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the more challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, while urine tests have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: It supplies a timeline of drug usage extending beyond recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair following use.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing methodologies.
• Variations in results: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Advantage of Hair Testing over Urine
In Lumberton, NC, hair testing stands out against urine tests for its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests provide more accurate and reliable results, making them an invaluable tool.

Comprehensive Detection
The ability of hair follicle tests to offer a longer detection period compared to urine tests makes them more effective for extensive drug use screening.

Extended Detection Window

Longer Detection Period for Drug Use
Hair follicle testing in Lumberton, NC, covers up to 90 days of drug use history. This provides employers information about an individual's long-term substance use record.

Enhanced Screening Range
A substantial detection window characterizes hair tests, delivering a clear narrative of an individual's substance engagement over the past months.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Reducing Sample Adulteration
In Lumberton, NC, hair follicle tests minimize the chances of tampering, providing robust results. The test process is challenging to manipulate, ensuring authenticity in sample collection.

Trustworthy Outcomes
With these tests, the integrity of the results is preserved due to their resistance to tampering, critical for upholding accurate drug testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Facilities
With numerous centers nationwide, employees in Lumberton, NC, can access hair follicle testing services swiftly and effortlessly.

Easily Accessible Testing
The broad presence of testing facilities ensures that undergoing a hair follicle test remains convenient and efficient, minimizing logistics concerns.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplicity and Confidentiality
Residents of Lumberton, NC, experience a straightforward yet confidential process for hair follicle testing, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

Confidential Testing Process
The procedure for ordering and receiving results is designed to be both simple and confidential, safeguarding clients' information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective Solutions
In Lumberton, NC, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive prices coupled with rapid outcome delivery, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Value and Efficiency
With fast turnaround times and affordable pricing, businesses of any size can benefit from this essential service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Precision and Speed in Testing
In Lumberton, NC, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and timely results. The method swiftly identifies substance use, providing high accuracy for those seeking dependable test outcomes.

Reliable Detection
The reliability of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to identify drug use with a high degree of certainty, ensuring that employers and agencies rely on them for accurate diagnostics.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Workplace Compliance
Hair follicle testing offers employers in Lumberton, NC, compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal issues and ensuring a safer workplace environment.

Employer Assurance
Such testing methods foster peace of mind by safeguarding against substance abuse, providing a reliable safety net for organizations.

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