Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The identification of drug and alcohol consumption is now increasingly effective through hair testing. The hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs usage by locking in biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair fiber. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a substance detection window of nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. When considering EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, the suggested specimen amount is 150mg. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, equivalent body hair may be used. Reference to head hair applies solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists mainly of these four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary handling of a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This process verifies the sample is adequately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift examination for commonly abused drugs. Screening presents an economical means to exclude drug consumption in most cases; however, any positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any Screening samples that are presumptively positive must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation by using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples receive necessary washing prior to confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is conducted under the scrutiny of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests," these tests evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Coal Fork, WV, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering broader and more accurate detection windows. While urine tests might capture recent drug use, hair testing provides a deeper historical overview of substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Coal Fork, WV reveals drug use for up to 90 days, offering an extensive view of an individual's substance habits. This extended detection window allows employers a comprehensive insight into the drug history of prospective hires. Unlike other tests, it encapsulates a significant timeline of an individual's drug interactions, ensuring a broader and more thorough background check.
The strength of hair follicle testing in Coal Fork, WV lies in its resistance to tampering. By reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration, it offers a dependable assessment method. The reliability of this testing process ensures results remain untainted, providing unquestionable accuracy. Stakeholders relying on these tests are assured of authenticity and consistency, minimizing doubts about the testing process.
Our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Coal Fork, WV, provides unparalleled convenience. This easy access translates to efficient, hassle-free testing experiences for all.
In Coal Fork, WV, our hair testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, sampling, and receiving results are user-friendly and safeguard personal privacy. The straightforward nature of the process ensures ease while addressing privacy considerations. Participants can engage in the method with confidence, bolstered by an emphasis on both simplicity and discretion.
In Coal Fork, WV, we prioritize affordability and swift result turnaround in our hair testing services. Businesses can enjoy competitive pricing against industry standards while maintaining the advantage of quick outcomes. This dual focus on cost-effectiveness and expedited results provides exceptional value for organizations of all sizes, reinforcing the emphasis on financial and operational efficiency.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Coal Fork, WV is remarkably high, ensuring quick and reliable outcomes. These tests stand out for their speedy detection of substance use, offering both accuracy and confidence. The method is adept at pinpointing drug presence, making it a trusted choice for those requiring dependable test results. The focus remains on delivering fast, efficient, and precise evaluations.
Employers in Coal Fork, WV can rest easy with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It not only curtails legal risks but also fosters a safer work environment. Employing this test shows a commitment to compliance and safety. This proactive approach not only benefits the company but also nurtures a responsible workforce culture, increasing overall peace of mind.
