Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The practice of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively secure from tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, and/or assays exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other kinds (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result entails four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory system. This involves ensuring the sample is adequately sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent in an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening refers to a preliminary examination to detect drugs of abuse. Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, but a positive screen requires confirmation for legal validity. Thus, any samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a potential positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods such as urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug screening among the most challenging approaches.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process adheres to audits under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, although the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Wins Over Urine Tests
When comparing drug tests in Frankford, WV, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of detection and reliability. It captures a wider timeframe, ensuring that tests reflect a long-term substance use history rather than recent intake alone.
Extended Detection Period: A Comprehensive Overview
In Frankford, WV, hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage through its extended detection window. Unlike other tests, it monitors drug consumption over a 90-day period, painting a full picture of an individual's drug use history.
Employers appreciate this method for its ability to reveal long-term patterns, facilitating better hiring decisions based on an applicant's past substance use. This spans beyond short windows detectable by other methods, granting an inclusive overview.
Guarding Against Tampering: Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests inherently reduce tampering risks, assuring reliable and indisputable outcomes in Frankford, WV. Their design significantly minimizes manipulation, ensuring authentic results each time.
The tough-to-cheat nature of hair testing makes it ideal for judicial scenarios or any context demanding stringent integrity. This reliability reassures organizations and individuals alike of trustworthy detection capabilities.
Easy Access Nationwide: Testing Locations
Our centers in Frankford, WV, and across the nation offer unmatched convenience for drug testing. With numerous testing sites readily available, access to services is both quick and effortless.
Whether you are local or residing in another city, our accredited facilities ensure hassle-free entries to essential testing, catering to all needs without delay or complexity.
A Secure and Straightforward Process
Ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Frankford, WV, follows a simple, confidential protocol. This approach prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, easing any concerns about the process.
Clients appreciate the clarity and confidentiality of our methods, ensuring every step—from sample collection to result delivery—is smooth and discreet.
Cost-Efficient and Quick Results
Providing competitive pricing and fast turnarounds, our hair testing services in Frankford, WV, deliver exceptional value. We understand company budgets and deliver prompt, quality services.
By combining affordability with swift processing times, our testing solutions offer businesses peace of mind, without compromising on quality, regardless of size or industry.
Precision and Speed: The Hair Follicle Advantage
In Frankford, WV, the efficacy of hair follicle drug tests is unrivaled. By providing fast, precise, and dependable results, they stand out in their ability to detect substance use with high accuracy. This superiority ensures confidence in each analysis conducted.
Employers and individuals benefit from the rapid yet thorough testing process. The hair follicle method offers unmatched reliability, swiftly delivering results and avoiding common pitfalls associated with alternative testing methods.
Ensuring Workplace Compliance and Safety
Adopting hair follicle testing in Frankford, WV., helps employers maintain a secure workplace environment. This method supports compliance with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and fortifying workplace safety.
Employers find peace of mind through hair testing's effectiveness, helping uphold integrity and trust within their organizations. This, combined with its comprehensive detection span, offers a thorough assurance of policy adherence.