Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains long-term evidence of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair strand fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tricky to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample in a lab system. This process checks if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any further data entry not provided by an e-chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid initial test for drug abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screens the most challenging procedures to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bethany, WV
Hair follicle tests offer several advantages over traditional urine tests, showcasing superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a broader window for detecting drug use, hair testing provides a comprehensive analysis, setting a new standard in screening efficacy.
Extended Detection Window in Bethany, WV
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, presenting employers with an extensive review of an individual's substance use history. This advantage is critical in maintaining a clear understanding of employee habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bethany, WV
The design of hair follicle tests inherently reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that the obtained results are both reliable and credible, leaving no room for doubt.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bethany, WV
With testing centers available nationwide, accessing our drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free, offering both speed and ease to individuals and businesses.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bethany, WV
Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is structured to be straightforward and confidential, prioritizing privacy and convenience for users during the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bethany, WV
Our competitive pricing and swift result times emphasize the value we deliver, ensuring businesses of various sizes benefit from cost-effective, reliable testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bethany, WV
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, offering swift and precise identification of substance usage. This testing method excels in accuracy, ensuring reliable screening outcomes for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bethany, WV
Employing hair follicle testing ensures that workplace drug policies are upheld, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. This creates a harmonious and secure environment for businesses to thrive.
