Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged historical record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When extracted close to the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month detection period for these substances. It is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be present, an equivalent amount of body hair could be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Outline
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of misuse. While Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive identification must be confirmed to hold up in court. Samples that indicate positive results during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily identified as positive undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Franklin, WV - Hair testing stands out for its unmatched accuracy in detecting drug presence over traditional urine tests. Hair samples reveal drug usage patterns over extended periods, offering employers and officials invaluable insights into a person's substance habits. Superior reliability and detection capabilities position hair testing as the gold standard.
Extended Detection Window in Franklin, WV - Hair follicle testing offers insights into drug usage spanning up to 90 days. This extensive observation period gives employers a holistic view into potential or current employees' substance histories, aiding in informed decision-making and ensuring the maintenance of a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Franklin, WV - Hair follicle testing presents a formidable barrier against sample adulteration, offering trustworthy and unquestionable outcomes. Such methods diminish the likelihood of altered tests, ensuring accurate readings that rule out any discrepancies, thereby bolstering confidence in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Franklin, WV - Benefit from the convenience of our widespread testing centers across the country. Swift and hassle-free access ensures you receive essential testing services, providing smooth and expedient processes to meet your needs with minimal disruption to daily activities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Franklin, WV - The process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. Emphasizing privacy and simplicity, it ensures user confidence throughout the entire testing experience, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and process ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Franklin, WV - We highlight competitive pricing structures alongside exceedingly rapid turnaround times. This approach guarantees exceptional value and provides peace of mind for companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality or speed of service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Franklin, WV - Hair follicle drug testing provides unmatched precision and promptness. Its high accuracy rates make it the preferred method for identifying substance use among individuals. Using advanced technology, hair tests swiftly determine the presence of drugs, offering fast results and empowering decision-makers with reliable information they can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Franklin, WV - Implementing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This reduces potential legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Ensuring compliance offers peace of mind, reassuring employers that they maintain drug-free working conditions aligned with best practice standards.
