Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Charles Town, WV

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an invaluable method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a prolonged account of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the advancing hair strand. When excised near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will offer 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional checks, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We advocate for measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair is all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Procedure Overview

The procedure for processing a drug test result in the lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This consists of confirming the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.

Screening involves a rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly means to rule out drug consumption for most samples, a positive test needs confirmation for legal validity. Any samples exhibiting a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further validation.

Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are drawn from hair to a far lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most intricate method to perform.

Verification of any presumptive positive result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive outcome undergo cleansing prior to final confirmation if required. The complete laboratory method from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, contrary to urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Resistance to deception: It is exceptionally challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage insight: It can offer a timeline of drug use over extended periods, not just immediate use.

Drawbacks:

• Lack of recent usage detection: Drugs in hair typically become detectable within 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually are costlier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Charles Town, WV
Hair testing outperforms urine testing with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timeframe, hair tests effectively detect long-term substance use, proving invaluable for tracking ongoing drug habits.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Charles Town, WV
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capturing drug history for up to 90 days. This duration offers employers a thorough overview of potential or current employees' substance usage, aiding in informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Charles Town, WV
The methodology behind hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of tampering, ensuring unaltered and credible results. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis provides employers with unquestionable evidence of substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Charles Town, WV
With a wide network of nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Charles Town, accessing our services is swift and hassle-free. Employers and individuals can easily locate a facility for convenient service, ensuring timely compliance with testing requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Charles Town, WV
The process for conducting hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy, addressing concerns and guaranteeing ease of use for all involved parties.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Charles Town, WV
We offer competitive pricing for hair follicle tests alongside quick turnaround times, providing value and peace of mind for businesses of any size. Reliable results are guaranteed without a financial burden.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Charles Town, WV
Hair follicle drug testing in Charles Town ensures swift and precise results, detecting substance use with high accuracy. The method's rapid analysis provides almost immediate insights, enabling effective decision-making for employers and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Charles Town, WV
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports workplace drug-free policies, enhancing compliance and reducing legal risks. By ensuring a safer work environment, this method provides employers with the reassurance of adherence to policy standards.

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