Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Berkeley Springs, WV

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers a longitudinal view of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fiber. Hair, when gathered near the scalp, allows for a detection scope of alcohol and other substances lasting up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to compromise, and convenient for shipping.

A sample size of 1.5 inches including approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the area nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimum quantity for testing and verification. For assessments that include EtG, additional tests, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable mass of body hair should suffice. Our reference to head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair encapsulates all other kinds (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Procedure Summary

There are four pivotal steps in processing a laboratory drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and captures any supplementary data needed that the electronic chain of custody system doesn’t supply.

Screening includes an expedited assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for dismissing drug usage in most samples, any positive findings necessitate confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples marked as presumptuous positives during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

Should a specimen test presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a much finer concentration than other procedures (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.

Any affirmative Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples suspected as positive are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to the scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analyses can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: Altering results of a hair drug test is notably challenging, enhancing accuracy.
• Tracks usage history: It allows for the monitoring of drug consumption patterns over time, rather than just recent usage.

Drawbacks:

• Recent use goes undetected: Typically, drugs take 5-7 days to appear in hair samples.
• Price: Hair drug analyses generally incur higher costs compared to alternative testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair pigmentation and individual hair growth rate can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," this analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing provides significant advantages over urine tests in Berkeley Springs, WV. Unlike traditional urine testing, hair analysis offers a superior detection window and is harder to tamper with. This leads to increased accuracy and reliability, allowing for more confident decision-making in both employment and legal settings.

While urine tests only identify recent drug use, hair tests can reveal patterns over months. This extended detection capability provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s habits, elevating it as a more insightful tool for comprehensive drug testing needs.

Extended Detection Window

In Berkeley Springs, WV, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers a broader perspective on a candidate or employee's substance use history, rather than the limited snapshot provided by other methods.

This longer detection period enables organizations to make better-informed decisions by observing sustained behavioral patterns. For employers seeking thorough investigations into substance use, hair follicle tests offer a comprehensive timeline.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Berkeley Springs, WV, ensures reliable results. Unlike other methods, hair tests are less susceptible to adulteration, providing trust in the accuracy of the results and maintaining the test's integrity.

This robustness against tampering enhances the credibility of hair testing. The process secure collection method greatly reduces the possibility of deceptive practices, allowing stakeholders peace of mind with unaltered findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing facilities in Berkeley Springs, WV, provide fast and convenient access to drug testing services. This extensive network means hassle-free and prompt testing, catering to both local and nationwide needs, simplifying the process for all involved.

Accessing testing services has never been easier, thanks to numerous locations available. Whether for local residents or national clients, our widespread presence ensures efficient and hassle-free service every time.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Berkeley Springs, WV, undergoing a hair follicle test is a straightforward and confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing users' concerns while maintaining complete confidentiality from start to finish.

The process is designed to be simple yet secure, ensuring that all aspects of the user experience, from testing to results, uphold privacy standards, providing users both convenience and peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Berkeley Springs, WV, provide outstanding value for businesses. Hair follicle tests are both affordable and timely, allowing companies to make informed decisions without financial strain or delays.

By offering cost-effective solutions and quick results, Accredited Drug Testing grants access to comprehensive drug testing without breaking the budget. Ensure peace of mind for all organization types with our responsive and economical service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Berkeley Springs, WV, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed. Known for their high accuracy, these tests reliably detect substance use, making them a preferred choice for fast and dependable results, ensuring that entities can trust the data provided.

The efficiency of hair follicle testing is unmatched, delivering accurate insights swiftly. This testing method is not only swift but also provides a detailed analysis, offering reassurance of its reliability and dependability in assessing an individual's substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For Berkeley Springs, WV employers, using hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating potential legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. These comprehensive tests safeguard company interests and maintain high standards.

Hair follicle testing offers peace of mind to employers, confirming their commitment to a drug-free workplace. By aligning with policy requirements, the risks of non-compliance diminish, fostering a trustworthy and secure work atmosphere.

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