Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When the hair sample is collected near the scalp, it can offer a nearly three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into the laboratory's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive result in Screening require a further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from the hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents a greater challenge.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive undergo a washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Brookhaven, WV sees an edge for hair follicle tests over traditional urine tests. While urine tests are commonplace, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests detect drug use over a prolonged period, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of substance use history. These factors highlight why hair testing is preferred for in-depth evaluations.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Brookhaven, WV spans up to 90 days, outperforming urine tests. This gives employers a full scope of an individual’s substance use history. Such comprehensive insights enable informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees, providing clarity and enhancing workplace integrity.
In Brookhaven, WV, the unique approach of hair follicle tests minimizes the chance of sample tampering. Due to the nature of the test, adulterating samples is challenging, ensuring result integrity. This solidifies employer confidence in drug testing outcomes, proving to be a vital component in maintaining fair testing practices and emphasizing validity.
With numerous testing centers throughout West Virginia, including Brookhaven, locating a suitable hair follicle testing site is convenient. Our widespread presence ensures service access is quick and hassle-free, enabling individuals and businesses to participate in testing without extensive travel or delay, supporting seamless integration into routine practices.
The process for hair follicle testing in Brookhaven, WV is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed efficiently. Our approach ensures ease of use and steadfast confidentiality, making the experience comfortable for all clients while maintaining the integrity of personal data.
Brookhaven, WV benefits from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing models cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value. This cost-effectiveness, combined with swift processing, offers peace of mind and enhances satisfaction with the testing process.
In Brookhaven, WV, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. They are highly proficient in identifying substance use, giving professionals confidence in their reliability. Swift turnarounds ensure results are quickly available, setting a standard for thorough drug screening processes. This refined accuracy assists employers in maintaining clear and comprehensive records.
Employers in Brookhaven, WV find compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. The adherence to drug-free policies ensures reduced legal exposure and fosters a safer work environment. Such rigorous testing methods minimize risks, aligning with regulatory requirements and promoting confidence in workplace standards.
