Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, it offers a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, fairly challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment with about 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, equating to 100mg of hair for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional substances, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate weighing. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair could be gathered. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into a lab’s system. This step includes verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry needed that wasn’t covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a quick preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to stand in legal proceedings. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drug concentration extraction from hair is performed at a much lower concentration than other methods like urine or oral fluid sampling, which makes hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. Each step from Accessioning through to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and does not involve the hair follicle located below the scalp.
In Alderson, WV, hair follicle testing stands out when compared to traditional urine sampling. Its ability to deliver superior accuracy is apparent, making it an invaluable tool for detecting substance misuse. Hair testing provides a much longer and more reliable detection window, giving employers a comprehensive insight into an employee’s substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Alderson, WV, offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days, providing a thorough evaluation of an individual's drug use history. This long window equips employers with vital information regarding patterns of substance use, aiding in making informed hiring and management decisions.
In Alderson, WV, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing greatly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration. This method ensures reliability and authenticity, delivering results that are both credible and unquestionable every time.
With a broad network of testing sites across the nation, including Alderson, WV, our centers offer unmatched convenience. Access to hair follicle testing is quick and hassle-free, fulfilling the needs of clients wherever they reside.
The hair follicle testing process in Alderson, WV, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering and sampling to receiving results, it addresses privacy concerns seamlessly, offering ease of use without compromising personal data security.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Alderson, WV, present exceptional value. Catering to companies of all sizes, we ensure affordability while delivering timely results, bolstering confidence and peace of mind.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug testing in Alderson, WV, cannot be overstated. With our advanced techniques, these tests yield fast, accurate results that effectively identify drug use. Employers and individuals can rely on this method for its impeccable accuracy and quick result turnaround.
Employers in Alderson, WV, can have peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with workplace drug policies. This reliable testing method decreases legal liabilities and fosters a safer workplace environment through stringent drug-free policies.
