Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Northlakes, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an influential means for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a substantial timeline of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs extending up to roughly 3 months. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A sample comprising 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is suitable for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen totaling 150mg is advised. We advocate for measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. Mention of head hair strictly pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four core stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system, which encompasses checking for proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary swift assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening need a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a complex methodology.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcomes is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Difficult to manipulate: It is exceedingly hard to alter the results of a hair drug test, ensuring greater accuracy.
• Tracks historical usage: It can indicate a drug usage pattern over time, not only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Variables like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair testing outshines traditional urine tests in Northlakes, NC by offering superior detection accuracy.

• While urine tests show recent drug use, hair tests reveal longer-term substance use.

Employers and institutions benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of a person's drug history.

• This improved accuracy helps in executing informed decisions regarding hiring or monitoring.

Extended Detection Window

With the capability to detect drug use over a 90-day period, hair follicle tests in Northlakes, NC offer vast insights.

• Employers gain a complete view of a person's substance history.

Such extended detection windows enable firms to ensure a safe work environment.

• This comprehensive perspective aids in aligning with organizational values and safety regulations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Northlakes, NC is inherently tamper-resistant, reducing the risk of adulteration.

• Unquestionable samples ensure reliability.

The method provides conclusive results, reassuring employers about the integrity of the process.

• It's a trusted choice for maintaining workplace compliance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide centers make hair follicle testing in Northlakes, NC convenient and easy.

• Access is hassle-free across the country.

With local locations available, quick testing isn't daunting anymore

• Clients experience seamless service everywhere you need.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Northlakes, NC, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential.

• Ordering, testing, and receiving results is straightforward.

Privacy concerns are mitigated with this method, assuring test-takers.

• This simplicity promotes ease of use and confidence in the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle tests in Northlakes, NC provide value for all companies.

• Competitive prices ensure budget-friendly solutions.

Efficient delivery times help organizations secure quick, trusted results.

• This service encapsulates both economy and efficacy for workplace testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests in Northlakes, NC, are renowned for their precision and rapid response.
This testing method excels in accuracy, quickly identifying substance use.

• With reliable results in minimal time, decision-making becomes swifter for employers.

The high precision of hair testing supports better management of workplace policies
Swift action in response to test results aids in maintaining a secure and efficient environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Northlakes, NC can rest assured with hair follicle testing for compliance and safety.

• Adherence to drug-free policies is enhanced.

Reducing legal risks and elevating safety measures, this method offers acceptable peace of mind.

• Implementing such tests ensures a secure and compliant workplace atmosphere.

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