Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Beaver, WV

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and narcotics by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. Sampling hair near the scalp can reveal a detection range of up to roughly three months for substances. Hair sampling is straightforward to perform, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch specimen consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair implies only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary four stages in the processing of a drug test result in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step encompasses ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not provided by the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires further confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples initially testing positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is sourced from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs at a considerably lower concentration from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can indicate substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is highly difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: It delivers evidence of drug habits over time, beyond recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine testing for drug detection in Beaver, WV. The benefits of hair testing include longer detection windows and accuracy, ensuring that recent and long-term drug use is effectively identified. Unlike urine tests, which only detect recent use, hair testing offers a more comprehensive view, making it a reliable choice for employers and legal mandates.

Extended Detection Window

One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Beaver, WV is its extended detection period, which can reveal substance use over the past 90 days. This offers employers a more thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history, which is crucial for making informed hiring and monitoring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Beaver, WV are a tamper-resistant testing method that reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are difficult to manipulate, ensuring the results are trustworthy and leaving little room for doubt about the individual's substance use history.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing locations, including local centers in Beaver, WV. Our extensive network ensures quick and easy access to our testing services, allowing for a seamless and hassle-free testing experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Beaver, WV, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that privacy concerns are addressed at every step, providing a straightforward and discreet service for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Beaver, WV offers exceptional value. Companies benefit from affordable pricing structures while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with quick and reliable test results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

When it comes to speed and precision, hair follicle drug tests in Beaver, WV provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method is known for its ability to reliably detect substance use, offering a high level of accuracy that reinforces the confidence of employers and individuals in the test's validity.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Beaver, WV gain peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This helps minimize legal risks and enhances safety, providing assurance that the job environment remains free from the adverse effects of drug use.

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