Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oxford, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to alter, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We recommend measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, we imply scalp hair specifically. Body hair pertains to all other forms of hair (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four key phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample in a laboratory’s system. This encompasses verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid test for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated to be valid in a legal context. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, further hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under 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 reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It is exceedingly difficult to tamper with a hair drug test, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Displays historical usage data: It can demonstrate a usage trend over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It requires approximately 5-7 days for substances to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Aspects such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oxford, NC
Hair follicle testing stands superior to traditional urine tests, providing enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. The hair test's capacity to uncover substance use far surpasses that of urine, allowing for a more thorough and dependable assessment. This makes it an undeniably preferred choice for many in Oxford, NC.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Oxford, NC
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, offering a window of up to 90 days. This gives employers comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history, thereby facilitating well-informed hiring and employment decisions based on accurate, historical data.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oxford, NC
Hair follicle tests provide a safeguard against sample manipulation, a common concern with drug testing. This method significantly reduces the possibility of adulteration, ensuring that the results obtained are reliable and beyond dispute, making it a valuable tool for ensuring integrity in testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oxford, NC
With our extensive network of testing centers spread across the nation, including local facilities in Oxford, NC, we guarantee hassle-free and quick access to testing services. This convenience is designed to facilitate a seamless testing experience for all clients, ensuring ease of accessibility at every step.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Oxford, NC
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and secure, offering ease from ordering to results delivery. Your privacy is paramount, ensuring that all processes are conducted confidentially and efficiently. It's designed to alleviate privacy concerns while offering simplicity for all users involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oxford, NC
We uphold competitive pricing models while delivering swift result turnaround times. Our cost-effective solutions deliver outstanding value, reassuring companies of all sizes that our testing service is both budget-friendly and time-efficient, providing peace of mind for employers and employees alike.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oxford, NC
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its speed and accuracy in effectively identifying substance use. This method offers high precision and quick results, making it an ideal choice for those in need of reliable drug testing measures. The efficiency of hair testing ensures both prompt detection and clarity in the outcomes, safeguarding against inaccuracies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oxford, NC
Choosing hair follicle testing helps businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies effectively. By minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer workplace environment, employers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their drug testing policies are enforced through an accurate and compliant method.

Drug Testing Near Oxford, NC

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