Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Whiteville, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use, such as drugs and alcohol. It captures extended histories of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the hair's fibers as they grow. Hair taken from near the scalp typically offers a detection range of up to three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.

A segment of 1.5 inches of hair, consisting of roughly 200 strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both initial analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or screens surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized instead. When mentioning head hair, this specifically refers to scalp hair; body hair includes other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The core processes in the lab analysis of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary procedure of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This involves checking if the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance use. Although Screening is an economical method to assess drug absence in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples exhibiting a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a presumptive positive arise during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare it for Extraction. This involves drugs being extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the most complex technique.

Verification of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed before Confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can track drug use over 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter range.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating on a hair drug test is very tough, hence ensuring more reliability in the results.
• Reveals usage patterns: It shows usage trends over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent use undetectable: It usually takes about 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Whiteville, NC

Hair follicle testing provides a distinctive edge over traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can identify recent drug use, hair testing extends the window of detection, making it possible to detect substance consumption over a longer duration. This gives employers a clearer view of the substance history of applicants or employees.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Whiteville, NC

The extended detection window of hair follicle tests captures drug use over a span of up to 90 days, greatly surpassing the limitations of traditional testing methods. This expanded timeframe allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the substance usage patterns of individuals, aiding in informed recruitment and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Whiteville, NC

Hair follicle drug tests minimize the risk of sample tampering significantly by ensuring a secure collection process. The integrity of the sample collected is preserved from the point of collection to the final results, offering reliable and virtually tamper-proof analysis. This ensures unquestionable results, critical for upholding workplace policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Whiteville, NC

Our nationwide network of testing centers, including locations in Whiteville, provides seamless access to hair follicle testing services. This extensive coverage ensures fast and convenient testing, eliminating delays, and making it easier for businesses and individuals to comply with required testing protocols efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Whiteville, NC

The process for conducting hair follicle testing is streamlined and confidential, ensuring ease of use and respect for privacy. From ordering to test completion and receiving results, each step is designed to be as straightforward as possible, addressing any privacy concerns and promoting user comfort.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Whiteville, NC

Our hair follicle drug testing services offer competitive pricing and quick result turnaround times. This cost-effectiveness, paired with the rapid delivery of results, provides great value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they can maintain required standards without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Whiteville, NC

Hair follicle drug testing in Whiteville provides exceptionally precise and swift results. This method ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use as the tests analyze the drug history over a longer period compared to traditional tests. The consistent reliability aids businesses in maintaining a safe and productive workplace environment seamlessly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Whiteville, NC

Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies efficiently. This testing method mitigates potential legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety. With the assurance of compliance, employers can focus on maintaining a productive and lawful working environment.

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