Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair acts as a repository of chemical markers within the growth fibers, offering an extended history of substance usage. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal evidence of alcohol and drug consumption for up to three months. This method is uncomplicated to collect, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
A segment of hair, 1.5 inches in length with around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in width) collected adjacent to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmatory processes. For EtG, supplementary screenings, or extensive testing exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, one can gather a comparable amount of body hair. The term “head hair†refers strictly to scalp hair, while “body hair†encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Drug test processing in the lab involves four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is introduced into the laboratory's system. It ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any extra data entry needed outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary check for substance misuse. Although screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs validation to be legally upheld. Any samples that are assumed positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for further Extraction. This process isolates drugs at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing step prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure solely analyzes the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Crum, WV, the benefits of hair follicle testing outshine traditional urine tests significantly. Hair testing delivers superior detection accuracy, identifying drug use over an extended timeframe. Unlike urine tests, which might miss intermittent use, hair tests provide a consistent and reliable analysis. This ensures employers have a clearer picture of an individual's long-term substance habits, leading to better-informed hiring and disciplinary decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Crum, WV, offers an extended detection window, up to 90 days, providing comprehensive insights into an individual's drug history. This broader perspective enables employers to make informed decisions based on consistent patterns of drug use, rather than isolated incidents. Such a wide window is invaluable, ensuring a thorough evaluation of an applicant's or employee's substance history, which is crucial for maintaining workplace safety and integrity.
In Crum, WV, hair follicle testing stands out for its robustness against tampering. This method significantly curtails the likelihood of adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the test samples. The difficult-to-manipulate nature of hair samples offers unparalleled reliability, giving employers confidence in the authenticity of results. This level of security is particularly crucial in environments with stringent drug-free policies.
Local businesses and individuals in Crum, WV, benefit from the convenience of nationwide and local testing centers. Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services across the country. This network ensures quick and streamlined testing processes, minimizing disruption and delivering timely results. With centers located in all cities, accessibility to essential testing services is simple and stress-free.
Hair follicle testing in Crum, WV, offers a straightforward and confidential approach. The process is designed to be easy and private, from ordering the test to receiving the results. Addressing privacy concerns, our services ensure that clients' information remains confidential while delivering an efficient and seamless testing experience. This simplicity is crucial for those who prioritize both confidentiality and convenience in their testing needs.
Offering competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in Crum, WV, provides excellent value for companies of all sizes. The fast turnaround of results meets the needs of businesses requiring swift information for decision-making. This cost-effectiveness paired with timely results allows organizations to maintain productivity without financial strain, delivering peace of mind and ensuring a high return on investment.
With unparalleled accuracy, hair follicle drug testing services in Crum, WV, provide fast and reliable results. These tests swiftly detect substance use, making them ideal for urgent screening needs. The precision of hair analysis delivers highly accurate substance detection, ensuring employers receive timely and dependable information. This efficiency enhances the decision-making process, allowing for more effective workforce management.
Employers in Crum, WV, find peace of mind in utilizing hair follicle testing for compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks and reinforces safety measures. By ensuring adherence to regulations and maintaining a safe work environment, employers can reduce potential liabilities and foster a culture of safety and responsibility.
