Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by housing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation processes. For additional EtG tests and/or tests extending beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We advocate weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unattainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair indicates any other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test sample involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning introduces the sample into the lab's system, confirming it was sealed and mailed correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial assessment to check for drug abuse. While cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most cases, positive screens must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples with presumed positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening provokes a presumptive positive, additional hair is sourced from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. Extraction isolates drugs from hair at levels much lower than other analysis methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug evaluation the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screenings is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the strand of hair rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Diana, WV Hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. Hair tests ensure longer detection windows and minimize the chance of sample tampering, making them the more reliable choice.
Employers, courts, and rehabilitation centers benefit from this advanced testing method's ability to provide clear results over an extended period, offering a robust assessment of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Diana, WV Hair follicle testing effectively identifies drug usage over a significant timeframe, up to 90 days, offering employers comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history.
This extended window is invaluable for assessing long-term substance use patterns, providing employers with a detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's drug use behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Diana, WV Hair follicle tests considerably mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and beyond question.
The robustness of hair testing lies in its challenging sample tampering, offering peace of mind to stakeholders by delivering accurate and honest outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Diana, WV Our extensive network of testing centers makes accessing our services simple and convenient, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
With multiple locations, including those in Diana, WV, individuals can easily find nearby centers for quick and efficient testing, minimizing disruption to daily routines.
Simple, Confidential Process in Diana, WV Experience a streamlined and discrete testing process, from ordering to result delivery, ensuring privacy every step of the way.
Our confidential approach prioritizes users' privacy, simplifying the testing experience while maintaining their trust and confidence in our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Diana, WV Our competitive pricing structures and quick test result turnaround times offer excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes.
Benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed, ensuring businesses receive high-quality services while maintaining budgetary oversight.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Diana, WV Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. With superior accuracy, these tests ensure confident decision-making regarding individuals' drug usage.
The method's high accuracy rate assures users of the test's ability to detect even minimal traces of substances, minimizing false negatives and providing peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Diana, WV Implementing hair follicle testing allows employers to adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigate legal liabilities, and enhance workplace safety.
With reliable results and increased legal protection, companies can foster a safer working environment, maintaining compliance standards while focusing on operational productivity.
