Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a significant resource, hair testing now plays a role in detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lasting record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over a period extending up to around three months. Hair collection is easy, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, similar quantity body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result at a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the first processing phase of a sample within a lab's framework. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data not provided via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary swift check for drug abuse. Though a cost-efficient method, a Screening-positive result requires confirmation for legal validation. All samples presumptive positive in Screening demand further validation.
Should a sample show as presumptive positive at the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample, then readied for Extraction. During this phase, lower concentrations of drugs are retrieved from hair compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening more complex to conduct.
Confirmation for any Screen-positive outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. This lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly named "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Burlington, WV
Hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests in Burlington, WV. The method boasts enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a wider scope of substance use. Its capability to detect long-term usage patterns provides organizations with a clearer understanding of an individual's drug history compared to standard urine assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Burlington, WV
Burlington, WV, benefits greatly from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. Capable of revealing drug use for up to 90 days, it gives employers a detailed view of an individual’s substance history. This comprehensive insight is invaluable for understanding and assessing long-term habits, distinguishing it from shorter-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Burlington, WV
Hair follicle tests in Burlington, WV, prominently reduce the chance of sample tampering. These assessments ensure dependable and incontrovertible outcomes, providing assurance with each result. The process defends against adulteration attempts, offering peace of mind to all concerned parties seeking authentic data on substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Burlington, WV
Enjoy the convenience of having access to nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Burlington, WV. These facilities provide fast, easy, and hassle-free testing services. Ensuring broad accessibility simplifies the testing process, catering to diverse needs with ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Burlington, WV
The process for hair follicle testing in Burlington, WV, is straightforward and discreet. We ensure ordering, collecting, and receiving results is seamless while prioritizing privacy. This commitment to confidentiality reassures those concerned about sensitive information, streamlining the testing experience for all users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Burlington, WV
Our pricing structures in Burlington, WV, are competitive, paired with rapid response times. Delivering excellent value for businesses of various sizes, we emphasize affordability without sacrificing quality. The promptness and cost-effectiveness of our services offer substantial peace of mind to employers managing drug testing initiatives.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Burlington, WV
Hair follicle drug tests in Burlington, WV, offer exceptional precision and speed. These tests excel in identifying substance use, providing highly accurate results swiftly. This testing method stands out in ensuring reliable detection, adding significant value for both employers and individuals seeking trustworthiness in their assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burlington, WV
Employers in Burlington, WV, achieve compliance satisfaction using hair follicle testing. The method supports workplace drug-free initiatives, lessening legal liabilities and heightening workplace safety. It facilitates adherence to policies, ensuring both regulatory compliance and a secure environment for all employees.
