Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This is because hair captures long-term use history by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample length of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg—the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, extensions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing procedure primarily involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data input not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening provides an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Although this method efficiently rules out drug use in most cases, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Presumptive positive samples from the Screening stage must undergo a confirmation step.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screenings are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The full lab process—Accessioning to Confirmation—is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being called "hair follicle tests," the assessment examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Circleville, WV
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides far superior detection rates.
Employers benefit from its extended detection window, making it ideal for comprehensive evaluations.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing captures drug use over a longer span, up to 90 days.
This ensures that employers have a thorough insight into an individual's drug use history, enhancing decision-making.
The inherent design of hair follicle testing makes it nearly tamper-proof, providing results that are hard to dispute. In Circleville, WV, this means peace of mind for employers looking to maintain integrity in their substance screening processes.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations
With testing centers throughout the nation, Circleville, WV residents enjoy seamless access to drug testing services.
This widespread availability ensures swift and effortless access for both individuals and employers.
The process for obtaining and processing a hair follicle test in Circleville, WV is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are designed with privacy and simplicity in mind, catering to users' concerns effectively.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make our hair follicle testing services in Circleville, WV, attractive for companies of all sizes. This affordability coupled with speed provides outstanding value, ensuring peace of mind without sacrificing quality.
In Circleville, WV, hair follicle tests offer exceptional precision and speed. Their ability to accurately identify substance use positions them as a leader in providing reliable results. This makes hair testing an essential tool for both individuals and organizations seeking swift, reliable data on substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies.
This helps diminish legal risks while significantly enhancing workplace safety.
