Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the continually growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, it offers a detection range of up to 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, enhancements, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen accurately. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. In the context of head hair, we refer explicitly to scalp hair. On the other hand, body hair encompasses various types, including facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab entails four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory's system, verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While being a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage for numerous samples, any positive results during Screening necessitate confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive findings in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Samples presumed positive during Screening undergo further hair extraction from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging process.
Confirmation of any positive Screen result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis specifically regards the hair strand and not the scalp-located hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in Chelyan, WV. Unlike urine tests, hair tests boast superior detection periods and reliability. Extended detection windows ensure uncovering drug use that might go unnoticed otherwise.
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window, stretching up to 90 days, provides a more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history. In Chelyan, WV, this extended timeline allows employers to make informed decisions.
Minimizing tampering is a key benefit of hair follicle tests in Chelyan, WV. Unlike other methods, hair samples are substantially tamper-resistant, providing reliable and trustworthy results.
Our network of convenient testing locations in Chelyan, WV, alongside nationwide accessibility, ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services. Quick and uncomplicated appointments accommodate timely requirements.
The hair follicle testing process in Chelyan, WV is simple and discreet. From ordering to taking the test, and finally receiving results, privacy and ease are prioritized to alleviate any concerns.
In Chelyan, WV, hair follicle testing features competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, ensuring businesses of all sizes benefit from valuable pricing and swift service.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests make them indispensable in Chelyan, WV. High accuracy in detecting a wide array of substances ensures compliant enterprises are secure in their results, while the speed of obtaining these results streamlines decision-making processes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Chelyan, WV, provides employers peace of mind through assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. Ensuring adherence to these guidelines mitigates potential legal risks and enhances employee safety.
