Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains markers of alcohol and other drugs within its growing strands, offering prolonged detection. When sourced from the scalp, hair can indicate up to a 3-month history of alcohol and drug use. Hair samples are simple to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the recommended amount for both testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weight is advisable. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. Head hair specifically implies scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for drug test outcomes involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with incorporating the sample into a lab’s system, ensuring it was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any further data input not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is an initial swift evaluation for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive signs must be verified to stand legal scrutiny. Presumptive positive results in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at concentrations lower than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening particularly complex.
Confirmation of all positive screenings is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accrediting.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the root beneath the scalp
In Bald Knob, WV, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine tests in several ways. The biggest advantage is its accuracy and reliability over an extended period. While urine tests can detect recent consumption, hair tests offer a broader detection window, making them a more trustworthy choice for thorough assessments of substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Bald Knob, WV, provides an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers and organizations to gain valuable insights into an individual’s drug use history. By covering such a long timeframe, this type of testing offers a comprehensive overview unavailable through other forms of testing like urine, which is limited to shorter detection periods.
In Bald Knob, WV, hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant qualities. This method significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and indisputable. Such security in testing cannot be matched by traditional urine tests, which are more susceptible to manipulation, providing peace of mind to stakeholders.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, accessing drug test services is quick and hassle-free in Bald Knob, WV. Accredited Drug Testing provides local options that eliminate delays, offering ease of access and swift service. This ensures that testing is conducted efficiently, catering to every need with minimal disruption to daily routines.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures a straightforward and confidential process in Bald Knob, WV. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed for simplicity and privacy. Clients can rest assured knowing that their information is handled with utmost discretion, making the entire process seamless and secure.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Bald Knob, WV. Our pricing structure provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that high-quality testing is accessible and budget-friendly. With fast result delivery, companies can enjoy peace of mind without financial strain.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle tests in Bald Knob, WV, set them apart. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use is unparalleled, providing reliable results that can be trusted. With fast processing times, individuals and employers can expect timely outcomes, ensuring that decisions based on these tests are both informed and swift.
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace in Bald Knob, WV, enhances compliance with drug-free policies. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and an increase in workplace safety. This method helps maintain a drug-free environment, providing peace of mind and supporting a safe, productive work zone.
