Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Southport, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When taken close to the head, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to roughly three months. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for evaluation and verification. For EtG tests, additional analyses, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent measure of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses any other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This process involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary check for drug use. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most specimens, a positive result must be verified to be legally permissible. Any samples that appear positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. Drugs are drawn from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging procedure to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, while urine tests have a more limited window.
• Hard to alter: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can show a pattern of drug usage over an extended time frame, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing methods typically have a higher price compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Southport, NC, hair follicle testing stands out when compared to traditional urine testing. Known for its superior detection accuracy, this method identifies substance use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests which confirm recent use, hair testing offers a historical viewpoint ensuring reliability and comprehensive assessment.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Southport, NC, offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This allows employers a thorough insight into an applicant or employee’s substance history, providing a clear understanding of past usage that urine tests, with their shorter detection period, might overlook.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Utilized extensively in Southport, NC, hair follicle tests provide a robust solution to prevent sample tampering. Their nature discourages adulteration, ensuring results remain accurate and genuine. Because the testing process prohibits manipulation, it delivers trustworthy outcomes for all parties involved.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With comprehensive testing centers nationwide, including Southport, NC, the convenience of hair follicle testing is apparent. Our network ensures quick access, facilitating an effortless experience for those needing reliable and swift testing services, whether local or across the country.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Southport, NC, our testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, every step ensures privacy and ease. Clients can fully trust that their personal information remains protected throughout the process, catering to privacy concerns with transparency and simplicity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle drug tests in Southport, NC, are characterized by affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This efficient combination provides excellent value, ensuring companies of all sizes can manage their testing needs without financial strain, while still enjoying rapid results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests make them invaluable in Southport, NC. Their state-of-the-art technology allows for high accuracy in identifying substance use, greatly improving the confidence in test findings. Employers and institutions benefit from timely results that reflect honest histories of drug use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Southport, NC, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This testing method supports adherence to strict workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal repercussions and promoting a secure work environment, while offering assurance that employees are adhering to company standards.

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