Gastonia, NC Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (female): 40,483

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 16.2%

Poverty (breakdown): (12.5% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 20.3% for Black residents, 29.9% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 48.0% for American Indian residents, 35.3% for other race residents, 36.2% for two or more races residents)

Elevation: 816 feet

Land Area: 46.1 square miles.

Population Density:

Zip Codes: 28052, 28054, 28086, 28098

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Recognitions and Certifications

Accredited Drug Testing has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 drug testing companies" for excellent customer service and we have received TPA Accreditation from the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. We are active in all drug testing industry associations and our staff are trained and certified as drug and alcohol testing specialists.

Important Links

National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (https://ndasa.com/)

National Drug Free Workplace Alliance (https://www.ndwa.org/)

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (https://www.sapaa.com/)

Substance Abuse Mental Health Safety Administration (https://www.samhsa.gov/)

US Drug Enforcement Administration (https://www.dea.gov/)

Office of Drug alcohol Policy Control (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

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Drug & Alcohol Testing Centers, Gastonia, NC

Accredited Drug Testing Inc, is the nation's leading provider of drug, alcohol, occupational health, and DNA testing and has testing centers in Gastonia, NC and throughout the local area. Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same day service is available in most cases.

2555 COURT DR STE 120 GASTON PROFESSIONAL BLDG 2.2 miles

2555 COURT DR STE 120 GASTON PROFESSIONAL BLDG
GASTONIA, NC 28054
Categories: GASTONIA NC

224 S NEW HOPE RD STE F 2.3 miles

224 S NEW HOPE RD STE F
GASTONIA, NC 28054
Categories: GASTONIA NC

640 SUMMIT CROSSING PL STE 206 2.6 miles

640 SUMMIT CROSSING PL STE 206
GASTONIA, NC 28054
Categories: GASTONIA NC

603 COX RD 3.0 miles

603 COX RD
GASTONIA, NC 28054
Categories: GASTONIA NC

3680 ROBINWOOD RD 3.4 miles

3680 ROBINWOOD RD
GASTONIA, NC 28054
Categories: GASTONIA NC

711 W MOUNTAIN ST 9.6 miles

711 W MOUNTAIN ST
KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086
Categories: KINGS MOUNTAIN NC

502 W KING ST LOWER LEVEL # 20 10.8 miles

502 W KING ST LOWER LEVEL # 20
KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086
Categories: KINGS MOUNTAIN NC

2202 Carolinas Pl Ste 100 10.8 miles

2202 Carolinas Pl Ste 100
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Categories: Kings Mountain NC

10210 COULOAK DR STE E 14.1 miles

10210 COULOAK DR STE E
CHARLOTTE, NC 28216
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

853 S LAUREL ST 14.6 miles

853 S LAUREL ST
LINCOLNTON, NC 28092
Categories: LINCOLNTON NC

102 LINCOLN MEDICAL PARK 14.7 miles

102 LINCOLN MEDICAL PARK
LINCOLNTON, NC 28092
Categories: LINCOLNTON NC

509 E MAIN ST 15.0 miles

509 E MAIN ST
LINCOLNTON, NC 28092
Categories: LINCOLNTON NC

112 OAK ST 15.3 miles

112 OAK ST
CHERRYVILLE, NC 28021
Categories: CHERRYVILLE NC

4016 WILKINSON BLVD STE C 15.9 miles

4016 WILKINSON BLVD STE C
CHARLOTTE, NC 28208
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

1190 FILBERT HWY STE 110 16.1 miles

1190 FILBERT HWY STE 110
YORK, SC 29745
Categories: YORK SC

1531 N ASPEN ST 16.3 miles

1531 N ASPEN ST
LINCOLNTON, NC 28092
Categories: LINCOLNTON NC

4221 TUCKASEEGEE RD 16.5 miles

4221 TUCKASEEGEE RD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28208
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

8943 S TRYON ST UNIT K 16.5 miles

8943 S TRYON ST UNIT K
CHARLOTTE, NC 28273
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

2136 AYRSLEY TOWN BLVD STE B 16.6 miles

2136 AYRSLEY TOWN BLVD STE B
CHARLOTTE, NC 28273
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

9332 S TRYON ST 16.6 miles

9332 S TRYON ST
CHARLOTTE, NC 28273
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

9720 S TRYON ST 16.7 miles

9720 S TRYON ST
CHARLOTTE, NC 28273
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

3250 WILKINSON BLVD UNIT I 16.8 miles

3250 WILKINSON BLVD UNIT I
CHARLOTTE, NC 28208
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

378 CROMPTON ST 18.1 miles

378 CROMPTON ST
CHARLOTTE, NC 28273
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

1585 FORNEY CREEK PKWY 18.7 miles

1585 FORNEY CREEK PKWY
DENVER, NC 28037
Categories: DENVER NC

228 WESTINGHOUSE BLVD ste 111 18.8 miles

228 WESTINGHOUSE BLVD ste 111
CHARLOTTE, NC 28273
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

1100 S MINT ST STE 115 18.9 miles

1100 S MINT ST STE 115
CHARLOTTE, NC 28203
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

1614 SOUTH BLVD 19.0 miles

1614 SOUTH BLVD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28203
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

1010 E Dixon Blvd Ste B 19.1 miles

1010 E Dixon Blvd Ste B
Shelby, NC 28152
Categories: Shelby NC

4536 LANDMARK DR 19.3 miles

4536 LANDMARK DR
ROCK HILL, SC 29732
Categories: ROCK HILL SC

820 EAST BLVD STE 818 19.4 miles

820 EAST BLVD STE 818
CHARLOTTE, NC 28203
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

419 EARL RD 19.6 miles

419 EARL RD
SHELBY, NC 28150
Categories: SHELBY NC

801 BAXTER ST 19.6 miles

801 BAXTER ST
CHARLOTTE, NC 28202
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

2628 STATESVILLE AVE 19.8 miles

2628 STATESVILLE AVE
CHARLOTTE, NC 28206
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

201 E GROVER ST 20.0 miles

201 E GROVER ST
SHELBY, NC 28150
Categories: SHELBY NC

1690 HIGHWAY 160 W 20.0 miles

1690 HIGHWAY 160 W
FORT MILL, SC 29708
Categories: FORT MILL SC

809 N LAFAYETTE ST 20.1 miles

809 N LAFAYETTE ST
SHELBY, NC 28150
Categories: SHELBY NC

9200 HARRIS CORNERS PKWY STE K 20.2 miles

9200 HARRIS CORNERS PKWY STE K
CHARLOTTE, NC 28269
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

7004 SMITH CORNERS BLVD STE A 20.3 miles

7004 SMITH CORNERS BLVD STE A
CHARLOTTE, NC 28269
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

502 SIXTH BAXTER XING 20.4 miles

502 SIXTH BAXTER XING
FORT MILL, SC 29708
Categories: FORT MILL SC

10806 REAMES RD STE I 20.5 miles

10806 REAMES RD STE I
CHARLOTTE, NC 28269
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

10616 METROMONT PKWY STE 102 20.6 miles

10616 METROMONT PKWY STE 102
CHARLOTTE, NC 28269
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

2266 N HIGHWAY 16 20.6 miles

2266 N HIGHWAY 16
DENVER, NC 28037
Categories: DENVER NC

294 N HIGHWAY 16 20.6 miles

294 N HIGHWAY 16
DENVER, NC 28037
Categories: DENVER NC

201 HUNTERSVILLE CONCORD RD 20.7 miles

201 HUNTERSVILLE CONCORD RD
HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Categories: HUNTERSVILLE NC

REMIT ONLY: P.O. BOX 601591 20.8 miles

REMIT ONLY: P.O. BOX 601591
CHARLOTTE, NC 28260
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

1918 RANDOLPH RD Ste 175 20.8 miles

1918 RANDOLPH RD Ste 175
CHARLOTTE, NC 28207
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

9718A SAM FURR RD 20.8 miles

9718A SAM FURR RD
HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Categories: HUNTERSVILLE NC

14231 MARKET SQUARE DR STE C2 20.8 miles

14231 MARKET SQUARE DR STE C2
HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Categories: HUNTERSVILLE NC

1928 RANDOLPH RD STE 109 20.8 miles

1928 RANDOLPH RD STE 109
CHARLOTTE, NC 28207
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

14330 OAKHILL PARK LN #125 21.1 miles

14330 OAKHILL PARK LN #125
HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Categories: HUNTERSVILLE NC

5031G W WT HARRIS BLVD 21.3 miles

5031G W WT HARRIS BLVD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28269
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

10512 PARK RD STE 107 21.3 miles

10512 PARK RD STE 107
CHARLOTTE, NC 28210
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

16511 NORTHCROSS DR STE A 21.5 miles

16511 NORTHCROSS DR STE A
HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Categories: HUNTERSVILLE NC

2460 INDIA HOOK RD STE 101 21.8 miles

2460 INDIA HOOK RD STE 101
ROCK HILL, SC 29732
Categories: ROCK HILL SC

16455 STATESVILLE RD 21.9 miles

16455 STATESVILLE RD
HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Categories: HUNTERSVILLE NC

3541 Randolph Rd Ste 110, 21.9 miles

3541 Randolph Rd Ste 110,
Charlotte, NC 28211
Categories: Charlotte NC

453 POLKVILLE RD 22.0 miles

453 POLKVILLE RD
SHELBY, NC 28150
Categories: SHELBY NC

8318 PINEVILLE MATTHEWS RD STE 708 22.0 miles

8318 PINEVILLE MATTHEWS RD STE 708
CHARLOTTE, NC 28226
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

2407 DERITA AVE 22.0 miles

2407 DERITA AVE
CHARLOTTE, NC 28269
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

6111 RUMPLE RD 22.1 miles

6111 RUMPLE RD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28262
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

402 E SUGAR CREEK RD 22.2 miles

402 E SUGAR CREEK RD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28213
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

9816 SAM FURR RD 22.2 miles

9816 SAM FURR RD
HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Categories: HUNTERSVILLE NC

1 MEDICAL PARK DR 22.5 miles

1 MEDICAL PARK DR
CHESTER, SC 29706
Categories: CHESTER SC

11111 CARMEL COMMONS BLVD STE 205 22.6 miles

11111 CARMEL COMMONS BLVD STE 205
CHARLOTTE, NC 28226
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

1393 CELANESE RD 22.6 miles

1393 CELANESE RD
ROCK HILL, SC 29732
Categories: ROCK HILL SC

1124 N WASHINGTON ST 22.6 miles

1124 N WASHINGTON ST
SHELBY, NC 28150
Categories: SHELBY NC

231 S SHARON AMITY RD 22.7 miles

231 S SHARON AMITY RD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28211
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

2533 PENNINGER CIR 22.9 miles

2533 PENNINGER CIR
CHARLOTTE, NC 28262
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

5410 N TRYON ST 23.1 miles

5410 N TRYON ST
CHARLOTTE, NC 28213
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

2174 CHERRY RD 23.1 miles

2174 CHERRY RD
ROCK HILL, SC 29732
Categories: ROCK HILL SC

5736 N TRYON ST STE 226-C 23.4 miles

5736 N TRYON ST STE 226-C
CHARLOTTE, NC 28213
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

8310 MEDICAL PLAZA DR STE G 23.6 miles

8310 MEDICAL PLAZA DR STE G
CHARLOTTE, NC 28262
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

725 CHERRY RD STE 140 23.7 miles

725 CHERRY RD STE 140
ROCK HILL, SC 29732
Categories: ROCK HILL SC

15830 JOHN J DELANEY DR STE 140 23.7 miles

15830 JOHN J DELANEY DR STE 140
CHARLOTTE, NC 28277
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

5435 PROSPERITY CHURCH RD STE 100 23.7 miles

5435 PROSPERITY CHURCH RD STE 100
CHARLOTTE, NC 28269
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

14214 Ballantyne Lake Rd Ste 100 24.0 miles

14214 Ballantyne Lake Rd Ste 100
Charlotte, NC 28277
Categories: Charlotte NC

4600 HOLBROOK DR 24.3 miles

4600 HOLBROOK DR
CHARLOTTE, NC 28212
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

2728 W MALLARD CREEK CHURCH RD STE 300 24.3 miles

2728 W MALLARD CREEK CHURCH RD STE 300
CHARLOTTE, NC 28262
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

6101 IDLEWILD RD 24.7 miles

6101 IDLEWILD RD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28212
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

8500 ANDREW CARNEGIE BLVD 24.8 miles

8500 ANDREW CARNEGIE BLVD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28262
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

8800 N TRYON ST 25.0 miles

8800 N TRYON ST
CHARLOTTE, NC 28262
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

5717 ALBEMARLE RD 25.0 miles

5717 ALBEMARLE RD
CHARLOTTE, NC 28212
Categories: CHARLOTTE NC

Drug and alcohol testing services are provided for employers and individuals and are administered for various reasons including Employment related such as pre-employment, random, post accident and reasonable suspicion, also US DOT-Part 40, Court Ordered, School and personal reasons.

Scheduling a drug, alcohol or any testing service at any of our Gastonia, NC testing facilities is simple and easy. Call (800)221-4291 or you may schedule a test online 24/7 by clicking below and receive your donor pass/registration form with the testing center address and instructions via email.

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Customer Service Is Our #1 Priority- Our Drug Testing centers recognize that needing a drug, alcohol or occupational health test can be stressful at times. Accredited Drug Testing takes the stress out of a stressful situation and is available to answer any questions you may have and provide our services in a friendly, courteous and confidential manner. Call our scheduling department today at (800)221-4291.



View all available drug testing services


Types of Drug Testing Methods Available

Our testing centers provide many types of drug testing methods, below is a brief description of each method choose the one that is right for your need.


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Urine Test - Urine - Accredited Drug Testing provides drug testing utilizing the Urine screening method. Urine drug testing can be screened for 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 and 15 panel screenings. Urine drug tests can also include an expanded opiates analysis. Same day service is available and testing centers are located in all cities and in most cases within minutes from your home or office. The detection period for a urine drug test is up to 3-5 days and results are reported in most cases in 2- 3 days.

The procedure for a urine drug test is simple. A donor provides a urine specimen in a cup to a drug testing collection specialist who will then seal the specimen cup, complete various documentation including a chain of custody form, have the donor initial the specimen cup seal, provide identification and upon completion of the collection and paperwork the specimen will be sent in a secure manner by Currier to the laboratory for testing.


Hair Drug Testing - Accredited Drug Testing can provide a drug test utilizing the Hair follicle drug test method and a Hair drug test can be tested for 5, 10, and 12 panel screenings. The detection period for a hair drug test is up to 90 days and results are reported in most cases in 3 -5 days.

The hair drug test is becoming more frequently used by employers, courts and other government agencies due to the fact that the window of detection for illegal drug use for a hair is up to 90 days. Many courts have begun accepting hair testing in place of urine or blood testing and hair testing has been determined to be legally and scientifically admissible evidence in a court of law.

A hair drug test is a simple process whereby a drug testing collection specialist cuts approximately 120 strands of hair from the head or a specific amount from the body and submits the hair to a certified laboratory for analysis. A hair follicle drug test can be screened for a 5 panel, 10 panel or 12 panel test and can also include expanded opiates. If a donor does not have 1 ½ inches of hair on their head, body hair can be utilized, however, if the donor is bald and has none or very little body hair, a hair drug test is not an available option, a urine or oral/saliva test should be utilized.

In addition to our standard drug test panels, opioid screening can be added to any drug test to determine the use and/or abuse of any prescription drugs.

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US DOT Testing and Part 40 Compliance - Accredited Drug Testing provides DOT drug testing for pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and return to duty for companies or employees regulated and covered by 49 CFR Part 40 including FMCSA, USCG, FTA, FRA, FAA, PHMSA. The drug test required by the Department of Transportation is a 5-panel urine test, which must be analyzed by SAMHSA certified laboratory and verified by a Medical Review Officer (MRO).

Additional DOT services include:

  • -DOT Consortium Membership (random testing)
  • -DOT Supervisor Training
  • -MVR Reports
  • -DOT Drug Policy Development
  • -DOT Physicals
  • -DOT Breath Alcohol Testing

Our Gastonia, NC testing centers have certified DOT drug testing collection specialists who are trained in the proper collection of a DOT drug test.

The Opioid Overdose Crisis

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

  • Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
  • Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
  • An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
  • About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
  • Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
  • The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
  • Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)

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Court Ordered Testing - Accredited Drug Testing and our Gastonia, NC drug testing centers also provide drug and alcohol testing for probation and other court ordered testing requirements. Testing services include ETG alcohol testing and drug testing utilizing urine and hair methods. Test results can be sent directly to Probation Officers, Judges, Attorneys or other parties as required. Strict confidentiality is assured.


Alcohol Testing - Accredited Drug Testing and our Gastonia, NC testing centers provide alcohol testing including ETG testing in both urine and hair and Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT). Alcohol testing can be added to any drug test screening.

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Testing Facilities Nationwide - In addition to our drug and alcohol testing centers in Gastonia, NC and the local area, Accredited Drug Testing has company owned and affiliated collection sites in all States and most cities to serve our clients' needs when traveling or employment related testing is required in multiple cities or States.


On-Site/Mobile Testing - Time Is Money!- Accredited Drug Testing provides On-Site drug testing services in all cities nationwide and can be used for construction sites, sporting events, job fairs and trucking/transportation companies, on site testing is available for DOT and NON-DOT regulated employers. In most cases, on-site mobile testing is cost effective when you have 10 or more employees needing to be drug or alcohol tested without leaving the job site.

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Employer testing/account setup - If you are an employer with at least 5 employees and would like to set up an account for future testing, it's simple and easy. Call us and speak with a client relations representative, (800)221-4291 it takes 5 minutes or less to complete. Account benefits include no setup fees, test discounts, invoicing, test status tracking and personalized customer service.

Does Your Company Have a Written Drug Policy? - Employee Drug & alcohol testing is utilized best when conducted in conjunction with a clear, written drug policy that is shared with all employees, along with employee education about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, supervisor training on the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide help for employees who may have an alcohol or drug problem. If your company does not have a written drug and alcohol policy or your current policy needs to be revised, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in the development and implementation of an employer's drug and alcohol policy which complies with state and federal law.


DNA Testing Services -Accredited Drug Testing provides DNA testing at testing centers Nationwide for paternity, immigration, and family relationship purposes. DNA testing centers are located in most cities and within minutes of your home or office.

DNA testing can provide an accurate determination of the probability of paternity at 99% more of who the child's biological father or mother is. The initial DNA test takes only a few minutes at the testing center and involves the swabbing of the child and alleged fathers mouth, which will provide saliva to be analyzed by a certified laboratory. Our DNA results are analyzed by a certified AABB laboratory and can be used in a legal proceeding to determine paternity or child custody related issues.

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"When you need a test, choose the best!"

Alcohol Testing Gastonia, NC Services

(800)221-4291

For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here

For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here

Handy Resources

Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

    Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.

  2. FDA: Drug Testing

    Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.

  3. PDR.net

    Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.

  4. BeSafeRx - FDA

    Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.

  5. SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace

    Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.

  6. Drugs.com

    Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.

  7. Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)

    Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.

  8. Merck Manuals

    Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.

  9. SAMHSA Store

    Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.

  10. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

    Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.

  11. CDC: Workplace Health Promotion

    CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.

  12. Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing

    General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.

  13. MedlinePlus: Drug Testing

    Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.

  14. University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia

    Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.

  15. World Health Organization (WHO)

    International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.

  16. Healthline: Drug Testing

    Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.

  17. WebMD: Drug Testing

    Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.

  18. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

    Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.

AI Overview

Overview of Drug Testing Collection Centers

Drug testing collection centers are specialized facilities where individuals submit biological samples for drug testing. These centers play a crucial role in the drug testing process, serving industries such as transportation, healthcare, sports, and many sectors requiring workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies. This overview details the functions, types of tests conducted, and what individuals can expect during a visit to a drug testing collection center.

Functions of Drug Testing Collection Centers

Collection centers are primarily responsible for the secure and proper collection of samples, ensuring that they are uncontaminated and accurately reflect the subject's drug use status. They adhere to strict procedures to maintain confidentiality and integrity of the testing process.

Types of Tests Conducted

  • Urine Testing: The most common form of drug testing, used to detect recent use of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and others.
  • Hair Follicle Testing: Provides a longer detection window compared to urine testing and is used to analyze drug use over a period of months.
  • Saliva Testing: Used for its non-invasive nature and ability to detect immediate drug use.
  • Blood Testing: Although less common due to its invasive nature, it is the most accurate form of drug testing.

What to Expect at a Collection Center

  1. Identification Verification: Upon arrival, individuals must present valid identification to ensure that the samples correspond to the correct person.
  2. Sample Collection: Trained professionals collect samples in a manner that minimizes the chance of tampering or contamination. This might involve measures such as securing personal belongings and direct observation during sample provision.
  3. Chain of Custody: Each sample is handled with a documented chain of custody procedure to maintain its integrity from collection to testing laboratory.

Importance of Collection Centers

Drug testing collection centers are vital for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the drug testing process. They provide essential services that help employers maintain a safe and productive workplace, enforce legal and regulatory requirements, and assist in rehabilitation processes. The professionalism and accuracy practiced by these centers are crucial for upholding the trust and safety standards expected in many professional environments.

Local Area Info: Gastonia, North Carolina

Gastonia is the largest city in and county seat of Gaston County, North Carolina, United States. It is also the second largest satellite city of the Charlotte area, behind Concord. The population was 71,741 at the 2010 Census. In 2016, the population had increased to 75,536. Gastonia is the 13th largest city in North Carolina. It is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area, officially designated the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Gastonia has experienced steady growth, with a population increase between 2000 and 2010 of nearly 8.2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The City Hospital-Gaston Memorial Hospital, Craig Farmstead, Downtown Gastonia Historic District, First National Bank Building, Gaston County Courthouse, Gastonia High School, David Jenkins House, Loray Mill Historic District, Robinson-Gardner Building, Third National Bank Building, and William J. Wilson House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Loray Mill strike of 1929 in Gastonia was one of the most notable strikes in the labor history of the United States. The role of organizers for Communist Party-affiliated National Textile Workers Union alienated religious leaders in Gastonia, who denounced the organizers' ideology, undermining support for the strike. The strike collapsed after the death of Gastonia's police chief, Orville Alderholt, led to a murder trial of several of the organizers. The strike largely failed in attaining its goals of better working conditions and wages, and the American labor movement was never able to gain a foothold among textile workers in Gastonia. The strike, however, became for a while an international cause célèbre, figuring in several novels published in the 1930s.

Show Regional Data

Population (female): 40,483

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 16.2%

Poverty (breakdown): (12.5% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 20.3% for Black residents, 29.9% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 48.0% for American Indian residents, 35.3% for other race residents, 36.2% for two or more races residents)

Elevation: 816 feet

Land Area: 46.1 square miles.

Population Density:

Zip Codes: 28052, 28054, 28086, 28098

(800) 221-4291