Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. It allows for an extended detection period due to the entrapment of biomarkers within the hair's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate detection span of three months for substances. It's straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp can yield 100mg, which is the preferred sample for both screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Here, head hair specifically means scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result includes four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial lab processing. This process involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, randomly assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any data entry omissions absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial, rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal credibility. Samples testing as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination pertains to the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Burnsville, WV
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Burnsville, WV offers superior advantages, including a longer detection period and greater accuracy. These tests provide a more comprehensive assessment of substance use, minimizing the chances of deceptive results that are more common with urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Burnsville, WV
Hair follicle testing is valued in Burnsville, WV for its ability to detect drug use over an extended timeframe of up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview allows employers to gain a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history, which is crucial for informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Burnsville, WV
In Burnsville, WV, hair follicle tests are highly regarded for their tamper-resistant qualities. The method substantially reduces the likelihood of sample contamination or manipulation, ensuring that results are both reliable and credible.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Burnsville, WV
With nationwide centers and local accessibility in Burnsville, WV, our testing services offer unmatched convenience, providing quick, simple, and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing. This ensures that testing needs are met swiftly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Burnsville, WV
The process for hair follicle testing in Burnsville, WV is straightforward and confidential, making it easy for individuals to order tests, complete them, and receive results. Our commitment to privacy and ease of use addresses any concerns regarding the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Burnsville, WV
Our hair follicle testing in Burnsville, WV is competitively priced with fast turnaround times, providing significant value to businesses of all sizes. This ensures companies receive high-quality testing without compromising on budget or time constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Burnsville, WV
In Burnsville, WV, hair follicle drug tests are esteemed for their exceptional precision and reliability. These tests are renowned for their ability to quickly detect substance use, providing almost immediate and highly accurate results that employers and courts can depend on.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burnsville, WV
Employers in Burnsville, WV find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it aligns with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method enhances compliance, mitigates legal risk, and promotes a safer working environment.
