Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Morganton, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended historical view of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can reflect up to a roughly 3-month period of alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect amount for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, extra add-ons, and/or multi-panel tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial, axillary, etc.

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process entails verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally viable. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require additional confirmation.

If a sample is indicated as presumptively positive during Screening, further hair from the original sample is utilized for the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, accounting for hair drug testing’s complexity.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as warranted before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a narrower detection timeframe.
• Hard to falsify: It is exceedingly challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It furnishes a usage pattern over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent usage: It requires roughly 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although colloquially termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morganton, NC

Hair testing offers an undeniable advantage over urine tests, providing greater accuracy and meticulous detection of substances.

• Extended Detection Window: Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can detect drug use up to 90 days later.
• Reduced Sample Tampering Risk: Hair tests minimize the likelihood of sample adulteration.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Morganton, NC

Hair follicle tests offer a prolonged detection period, capturing drug use history up to 90 days prior. Employers in Morganton benefit from this by gaining a thorough insight into past substance use, making informed hiring decisions.

As opposed to other testing methods, the extended window of detection provides a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, enhancing workplace safety and reliability.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morganton, NC

Hair follicle tests are designed to significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. Their robust collection process in Morganton ensures accuracy and authenticity, providing employers with definitive results.

Trust this advanced method to deliver unquestionably reliable outcomes, minimizing any chance of alteration and ensuring integrity in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morganton, NC

Our extensive network of testing centers provides unmatched convenience, ensuring accessible services throughout Morganton and beyond.

Whether locally or nationwide, our centers guarantee efficient and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Enjoy the ease and swiftness offered by our strategically placed facilities.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Morganton, NC

Our drug testing process is both simple and confidential, prioritizing privacy while maintaining transparency. From ordering to result reception, every step is straightforward and dependable.

Address your privacy concerns confidently with our discreet procedures in Morganton, designed for ease of use and reliability in handling results with utmost confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morganton, NC

At our Morganton testing centers, we offer competitive pricing structures alongside speedy turnaround times.

• Cost-effective: Tailored solutions to fit varying budgets.
• Quick Results: Our efficient processes promise rapid results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morganton, NC

Experience the precision and swift outcomes of hair follicle drug testing. Boasting exceptional accuracy, these tests quickly detect substance use.

Our Morganton facilities deliver results you can trust, thanks to advanced methodologies that ensure both speed and reliability. Benefit from this top-notch testing process and safeguard your professional environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morganton, NC

Implementing hair follicle testing provides employers with peace of mind by ensuring overall compliance with workplace drug policies. This method helps reduce legal risks and fosters safer work environments.

With these tests, employers in Morganton can trust in a process that enhances workplace safety and meets all legislative requirements for a drug-free environment.

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