Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair as a diagnostic measure has emerged as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair can chronicle a long-term usage history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its growth. When hair is harvested near the scalp, it can reveal up to a roughly 3-month timeframe of substance use. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch hair segment comprising roughly 200 strands (approximately the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair— the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more extensive panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. We advocate using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. In instances where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, this pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair constitutes all other forms of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test outcomes involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample is sealed and sent correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any outstanding data entry not furnished by an electronic custody system.
Screening performs an immediate examination for substance abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most cases, any positive screening must be verified for legal credibility. Notably positive screenings necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive at the Screening level, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This process involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), justifying the complexity inherent in hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is realized through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening are cleansed before Confirmation, where required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is validated according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Elk Garden, WV, hair follicle testing eclipses traditional urine testing, offering a more thorough evaluation. Hair tests identify drug use over a much extended timeline, enhancing reliability and detection accuracy, something urine tests can’t rival.
Employers and legal entities in Elk Garden increasingly prefer hair testing as it better supports zero-tolerance policies. This method provides a more comprehensive observation of substance use behaviors when compared to urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Elk Garden, WV, offers an expansive detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's substance activities, crucial for decision-making.
The wider detection scope surpasses other testing methods, making hair follicle tests a reliable choice for organizations needing historical data on drug use. This feature is invaluable for maintaining high workplace standards and safety protocols.
The hair follicle testing approach in Elk Garden, WV, stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. These assessments mitigate manipulation risks, ensuring reliable and unquestionable outcomes critical to workplace and legal compliance.
Employers and authorities trust hair tests due to the minimized chance of sample adulteration, making this method ideal for situations where test integrity is paramount.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including Elk Garden, WV. Whether you're local or elsewhere, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free.
With our expansive network, the flexibility and ease of reaching a testing center support quick and efficient service delivery, suiting various client needs.
In Elk Garden, WV, our hair follicle testing utilizes a simple and private process. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to protect privacy while delivering clarity and satisfaction.
The confidentiality and ease of use put clients at ease, knowing the process respects individual concerns about testing privacy and discretion.
Accredited Drug Testing in Elk Garden, WV, offers competitive pricing and fast return times for hair follicle drug tests, providing excellent value for businesses of any size. Our cost-effective solutions ensure quality service without breaking the budget.
The quick processing of tests supports timely results, a crucial factor for companies requiring efficient and reliable drug screening solutions.
In Elk Garden, WV, hair follicle drug tests provide fast and precise results, offering unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. Using sophisticated technology, these tests quickly determine drug presence with impressive reliability, making them an ideal choice for environments where speed and correctness are essential.
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle assessments in Elk Garden offer a quick turnaround, ensuring you receive results swiftly. This efficiency supports timely decision-making for employers, legal entities, and individuals needing reliable diagnostics.
In Elk Garden, WV, implementing hair follicle testing as part of workplace policies ensures compliance with drug-free standards. This approach reduces legal liabilities while fostering a safer and more secure work environment.
By choosing hair testing, employers gain peace of mind, knowing their organization adheres to stringent safety criteria, benefitting overall workplace efficacy and protection.
