Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shelby, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is widely acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair structure retains biomarkers within its growing fibers, offering a comprehensive record of substance intake over time. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal the presence of alcohol and drugs for up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which serves as an optimal sample for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or when exceeding 10-panel tests, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not accessible, a proportional amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other varieties of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory evaluation of a drug test involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step involves checking the sample’s seal and shipment were correctly handled, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. While an economical method for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive results from Screening require verification to hold up in legal settings. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate a confirmatory test.

In cases of presumptive positive findings during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation for Extraction. This phase involves deriving drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug assessment is particularly challenging to execute.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair acknowledgment and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug assessments reveal drug utilization for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests with a briefer detection span.
• Difficult to falsify: Hair drug tests are notably hard to deceive, ensuring more precision in their results.
• Delivers pattern data: It outlines drug usage trends over time, rather than capturing only recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: There is a delay of approximately 5-7 days for drug substances to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are typically more costly than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal discrepancies in hair growth may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests in Shelby, NC, excel over urine tests by providing superior precision and reliability. Their advantage lies in detecting a broader range of substances.

While urine tests offer short-term detection, hair tests provide a long-term solution, highlighting their superiority in ensuring drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

In Shelby, NC, hair follicle testing offers a detection window of up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance history.

Unlike other tests, hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive analysis over a more extended period, crucial for informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Shelby, NC, reduce tampering risks significantly. Their collection method makes sample adulteration challenging, ensuring trustworthiness.

Employers can rely on hair tests for providing accurate, tamper-proof results, fostering confidence in testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Shelby, NC, accessing drug testing services is seamless and hassle-free.

Our local and national presence ensures quick and easy access to hair follicle testing, meeting all testing needs efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Shelby, NC, for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, testing, and results are handled with utmost privacy.

Our method guarantees anonymity, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring a simple and efficient experience for all users.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordability and swift turnaround are priorities in Shelby, NC, offering competitive pricing and quick results for companies, big or small.

With our pricing models and fast delivery, businesses gain excellent value, ensuring peace of mind in drug testing procedures.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Shelby, NC, hair follicle drug testing ensures swift, precise outcomes. With unmatched accuracy, it detects substances efficiently, offering peace of mind.

Employers benefit from fast and reliable results, making hair tests a top choice. Their accuracy in substance detection surpasses other methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Shelby, NC, hair follicle testing aids in compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and strengthening safety.

By implementing hair tests, employers ensure peace of mind and uphold robust policies against substance use with greater reliability.

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