Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has emerged as a robust instrument for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extensive timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within their growing fibers. Samples collected near the scalp can provide a detection period for drugs and alcohol of up to approximately three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be ineffective, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test in the laboratory encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for the presence of drug abuse. This method is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most specimens, but any screen that’s positive requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further validation.
When a specimen shows presumptive positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid). This complexity makes hair drug testing a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dunmore, WV
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its extended detection window provides a comprehensive view, which urine tests can't match. While urine tests are adequate for recent drug use, hair tests excel in identifying long-term substance use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Dunmore, WV
Hair follicle testing in Dunmore detects drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers employers a detailed view of their applicants' or employees' substance history, providing an unmatched perspective compared to other testing methods, ensuring the suitability of potential hires or current staff.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dunmore, WV
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the potential for sample adulteration, offering reliable and unquestionable results. Their unique process makes it almost impossible to substitute or alter samples, thus providing a much more dependable method than urine tests, which can be more easily tampered with.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dunmore, WV
Our testing centers span nationwide, including in Dunmore, for hassle-free access to dependable hair follicle testing services. This extensive network allows easy scheduling and quick testing, ensuring the process is smooth and efficient for all parties involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dunmore, WV
The hair follicle testing process in Dunmore is straightforward and discreet, ensuring privacy. The process from ordering tests to receiving results is designed to be user-friendly, alleviating concerns about privacy and ensuring a seamless testing experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dunmore, WV
Our hair follicle testing services in Dunmore are competitively priced and offer quick turnaround times. This ensures that companies, regardless of size, receive excellent value and reassurance through fast and thorough testing services, keeping costs manageable and satisfaction high.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dunmore, WV
Hair follicle tests in Dunmore provide rapid and precise results. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use makes them reliable for various testing purposes. Unlike urine tests, hair tests cover a broad detection range, making them a preferred choice for quick and reliable drug testing needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dunmore, WV
Employers in Dunmore can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies by using hair follicle testing. This reduces legal risks and enhances safety within the workplace. The assured results offer peace of mind, knowing that risks of drug abuse in the workplace are minimized.
