Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Spruce Pine, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair can encapsulate a long-term record of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When cut near the scalp, the hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage with a detection period of up to roughly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process in the lab for a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial processing of the sample into the lab's system. Tasks here involve confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening provides an economical means to dismiss drug consumption in the majority of cases, any positive results from the screen must be verified for court acceptance. Samples that test tentatively positive in Screening require follow-up verification.

If a sample tests tentatively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations much lower than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which highlights the complexity of performing hair drug tests.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods handle the Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. All tentatively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can record drug intake for periods reaching up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Difficulty to cheat: The integrity of hair drug tests makes them challenging to deceive, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: This method can map out a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection in hair takes approximately 5-7 days to manifest.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Attributes such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Spruce Pine, NC, by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method provides better insights into substance use than urine tests.

Providing a long detection period and reducing false negatives, hair testing is superior in reflecting an individual's substance history accurately.

Extended Detection Window

In Spruce Pine, NC, hair follicle tests offer extended drug use detection for up to 90 days, unlike traditional methods. This duration gives employers detailed insights into consistent substance habits.

Employers gain strategic advantage through an extended window reflection of substance history, aiding in responsible decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Spruce Pine, NC, ensures tamper-resistant results, virtually eliminating sample adulteration.

This testing method significantly minimizes the risk of tampering, providing employers with reliable results they can trust.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including in Spruce Pine, NC, ensures seamless access for clients seeking hair follicle testing.

With convenient local locations, the testing process is simplified, offering hassle-free service across the state.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Spruce Pine, NC, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and convenience.

Our straightforward procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving test results emphasizes ease and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and fast turnaround in Spruce Pine, NC, make hair follicle testing exceptionally valuable for employers.

Our affordable rates and swift results deliver cost-effective solutions, promoting peace of mind for companies of every size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Spruce Pine, NC, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and precise results. This method of testing offers unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use.

The speed of obtaining results from hair follicle tests makes them the preferred choice for comprehensive drug monitoring.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Spruce Pine, NC, gain compliance and peace of mind by using hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies.

Implementing hair testing reduces legal risks and enhances safety by maintaining a drug-free environment.

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