Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an efficient means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month period of alcohol and drug activity. Hair is effortless to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to measure the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures that the sample remains sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening must undergo secondary verification.
If a sample tests tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of all positive Screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples indicating potential positivity are cleansed before Confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as “hair follicle tests,†this test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Belmont, WV Hair testing stands out due to its superior detection capabilities and dependability compared to more conventional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair tests cannot be easily manipulated, thus providing more consistent results over time. The robust nature of hair testing allows for a broader detection period, making it a preferred choice for verifying substance use in Belmont.
Extended Detection Window in Belmont, WV Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window up to 90 days, giving employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This long-term insight is crucial for assessing potential hires or monitoring current employees. The method's capability to detect drugs over such an extended period enhances the reliability of testing for those in Belmont, WV.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Belmont, WV The hair follicle test significantly diminishes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that results are trustworthy and beyond reproach. This intrinsic resilience against manipulation ensures that outcomes remain accurate and reliable. In Belmont, WV, such security is indispensable for maintaining confidence in drug testing results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Belmont, WV Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Belmont, WV, ensures convenient, easy, and expedient access to testing services. The wide reach guarantees that individuals can access testing with minimal hassle, facilitating a prompt and effective process from start to finish.
Simple, Confidential Process in Belmont, WV The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving the results of hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. Addressing privacy and usability concerns, this streamlined process ensures that individuals feel secure and informed at every step, maintaining discretion throughout each phase in Belmont.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Belmont, WV Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times offer excellent value for companies of all sizes needing hair follicle testing. By maintaining affordability alongside efficiency, employers in Belmont can be assured of receiving both economical rates and timely results, enhancing peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Belmont, WV Hair follicle drug tests provide speedy and precise outcomes, offering a high degree of accuracy in substance detection. The method is respected for its thoroughness and reliability in capturing evidence of drug usage. With a sophisticated approach, hair analysis can quickly yield accurate results, which is invaluable for making informed decisions in Belmont.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Belmont, WV Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies within the workplace, assisting in the reduction of legal exposure and fostering a safer environment. Employers benefit from the certainty that comes with such reliable testing methods, enhancing overall trust and safety in the workplace community.
