Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now acknowledged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It acts by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands as they grow, offering a comprehensive record of substance use. When the hair is cut close to the scalp, it can reveal substance intake history spanning up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal opportunity for tampering, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly akin to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp is typically used to obtain 100mg of hair, which is the recommended quantity for both screening and confirmation. For more detailed analyses like EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to measure this on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. In this context, when head hair is mentioned, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other kinds (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in laboratories comprises four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where the sample is first processed into the lab's system. This involves checking that the sample is properly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and dealing with any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
A primary Screening is conducted to quickly identify potential drug use. While it's economical and rules out drug use for most samples, positive findings from Screening must be validated in court. Any samples that show a positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
Samples that show positive results in the Screening are subject to Extraction, where more hair is separated from the original sample. Here, substances are extracted at lower concentrations than those in other methods such as urine or oral samples, making hair drug tests particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive Screenings is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) regulations and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand rather than the follicle within the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing? In Augusta, WV, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection, precision, and reliability over extended periods.
While urine tests remain common, hair tests deliver a comprehensive drug use history and provide inherently robust accuracy. This makes them highly trusted by employers who manage strict anti-drug policies.
In Augusta, WV, hair follicle tests expand the detection window for up to 90 days, making them exceptionally advantageous for employers.
This extended period lets employers view a comprehensive snapshot of an individual’s drug history, fostering informed hiring and assessment processes unparalleled by other methods.
Reducing Sample Adulteration Risk is a key feature of hair follicle tests in Augusta, WV, ensuring results stay uncontaminated and reliable.
The methodology behind these tests makes tampering nearly impossible, providing an unassailable integrity that stakeholders can trust completely for accurate outcomes.
Convenient Testing Locations are available both nationally and locally in Augusta, WV, providing unmatched accessibility to our comprehensive testing services.
No matter where you are, our facilities ensure effortless ease in scheduling and completing testing, making the entire process seamless and straightforward for all participants.
A Simple and Confidential Process characterizes hair follicle drug testing in Augusta, WV, easing any potential privacy concerns.
The straightforward order and testing procedures, combined with confidential result reporting, emphasize user comfort and discretion at each step, reinforcing our commitment to privacy throughout the testing cycle.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround are key priorities in Augusta, WV, ensuring organizations can manage costs without sacrificing quality.
The competitive pricing models combined with fast result delivery times provide excellent value, catering effectively to companies seeking dependable and budget-conscious testing solutions.
Speed, Precision, and Dependability in Augusta, WV, are the hallmarks of hair follicle drug tests. Their accuracy in detecting substance use is unmatched, offering quick, reliable results that support both employers and individuals in making informed decisions.
These tests deliver results quickly, facilitating fast decision-making for businesses. The process, focused on high precision, acts as a dependable method in identifying substance use, proving invaluable for all stakeholders involved.
Ensuring Compliance and peace of mind for employers in Augusta, WV, is made possible through hair follicle testing.
This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and bolstering a secure, safe work environment for all employees involved.
