Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of these substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and other drugs of up to about 3 months. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Referring to head hair implies scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially inputting a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is a highly challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. In Brighton, WV, hair tests detect drug use with superior accuracy and reliability. The advanced detection method provides a broader timeframe for analysis, ensuring a more comprehensive view of usage patterns.
Compared to urine tests, which are often limited in detection windows, hair follicle testing reveals extended periods of substance use. Employers favor this due to its precise and reliable outcomes, fostering a trustworthy workplace environment.
For those in Brighton, WV, hair follicle testing extends the detection period for drug use to up to 90 days. This extensive window is particularly beneficial for employers and agencies seeking a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history.
With hair tests covering nearly a three-month period, employers gain insightful information into an applicant or employee's past drug use. The longer detection range aids in ensuring compliance with company policies and highlights potential risks.
In Brighton, WV, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. The risk of sample adulteration is significantly diminished, ensuring that results are both reliable and unquestionable.
This testing method negates common issues associated with other drug tests. With its inherent security features, organizations and individuals can trust the outcomes, minimizing the chance for manipulation or deceptive practices.
In Brighton, WV, accessing drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free with our widespread network of testing locations. This nationwide infrastructure ensures quick and easy testing access for everyone.
Our local presence guarantees that individuals and businesses can conduct drug tests without unnecessary complications or delays. The easy accessibility of our facilities ensures streamlined testing processes, accommodating various needs with efficiency.
The process of hair follicle testing in Brighton, WV, is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, each step respects your privacy and ensures ease of use.
Clients can expect a streamlined sequence, minimizing any potential stress associated with drug testing. With confidentiality at the forefront, all stakeholders can participate in the process without concerns over privacy violations.
In Brighton, WV, affordable pricing and fast turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing services. This provides substantial value, especially for companies aiming to balance budget and efficiency.
Our competitive pricing ensures that businesses of all sizes can access high-quality drug testing services. Together with swift results, organizations are empowered to make informed decisions swiftly without compromising on quality.
In Brighton, WV, hair follicle testing is synonymous with accurate and reliable results. This testing method efficiently detects substance use, surpassing traditional methods with its high precision. It offers a comprehensive screening process, ensuring outcomes that stakeholders can trust.
The hair follicle drug test delivers fast results, providing stakeholders with the information they need without delay. Whether for employers, courts, or individuals, the reliability of these tests is unmatched, ensuring confidence in the results.
Employers in Brighton, WV, benefit from the use of hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This helps mitigate legal risks and fosters a safe work environment, promoting peace of mind among company stakeholders.
With reliable drug testing protocols in place, businesses not only meet regulatory standards but also enhance overall workplace safety. The comprehensive approach reduces the likelihood of drug-related incidents, protecting both employees and the company.