Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained traction as a reliable method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. As hair grows, it embeds biomarkers within its fibers, providing a historical record of substance use. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal substance use over a period of up to three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to send for analysis.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches and approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. If EtG, add-ons, or analyses over 10 panels are needed, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Assessing the specimen weight using a jeweler’s scale is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is an acceptable substitute. It is important to note that head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the sample's integration into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any data entry that might not be covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial inspection for drugs of abuse. Although it is an economical way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be affirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Any sample that tests presumptively positive in Screening necessitates a subsequent confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are then isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies confirm any positive screening results. Before confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While "hair follicle tests" is a common term, the examination pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing triumphs over urine tests in Colcord, WV by offering unparalleled detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide extensive drug history insights, reinforcing their reliability. This accuracy makes hair follicle testing the preferred choice for employers seeking comprehensive drug screening.
Hair follicle testing in Colcord, WV provides an extended detection window of drug use, spanning up to 90 days. This prolonged detection period gives employers a full picture of an individual's substance history, surpassing the brief snapshot offered by other test types. Such insights are invaluable for informed decision-making.
In Colcord, WV, hair follicle tests are recognized for their tamper-resistant methods, substantially reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This robust reliability ensures the integrity of test results, giving employers and organizations confidence in their screening processes and outcomes.
Colcord, WV residents benefit from convenient nationwide and local testing locations through our network. This widespread accessibility allows individuals to engage in testing promptly, reducing waiting times and simplifying the overall process to maintain workplace and personal safety.
The simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Colcord, WV prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step safeguards personal information, alleviating privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use for all parties involved.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Colcord, WV offers exceptional value. Competitive pricing structures ensure that businesses of all sizes can access these services, delivering both financial efficiency and timely results for peace of mind.
In Colcord, WV, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures superior detection of substance use compared to other methods. Results are produced swiftly, reinforcing their reliability and effectiveness in a fast-paced world where accurate detection is crucial.
Employing hair follicle testing in Colcord, WV ensures both compliance and peace of mind for employers. These tests support stringent workplace drug-free policies, cutting down legal risks while enhancing overall safety. By choosing hair tests, organizations endorse a proactive stance on workplace safety.
