Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered a significant means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a historical record of drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers in the strands as they grow. Collected close to the scalp, hair testing can reveal up to three months' worth of alcohol and drug use history. The process of collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and transport-friendly.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 strands (an amount akin to a #2 pencil's width) is ideal, offering 100mg of hair for preliminary and confirmatory analyses. For assessments like EtG, supplements, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may suffice. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair denotes all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The testing laboratory follows four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial handling phase, integrating a sample into the lab's system. This phase verifies sample seal integrity and proper shipment, allocates an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry overlooked by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening constitutes the initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although this provides an economical method of excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen insists on confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab procedure is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing reveals distinct advantages of the former in Glen Ferris, WV. Hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. Superior accuracy is achieved via hair testing, showcasing its efficacy as an indispensable tool for drug testing, surpassing the limitations of traditional urine analysis.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a critical advantage offered in Glen Ferris, WV. Capturing drug use over a span of up to 90 days, hair tests provide employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance history. Comprehensive insight is afforded to employers, allowing them to better evaluate the substance use patterns of their employees or candidates.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Glen Ferris, WV, sets it apart as a reliable method. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, it ensures unquestionable results. Undeniable reliability is a cornerstone of hair testing, offering peace of mind through its immunity to tampering and manipulation that other testing methods may be susceptible to.
Enjoying the convenience of accredited testing centers nationwide, including those locally in Glen Ferris, WV, ensures easy access to drug testing services. Seamless access nationwide enables quick and straightforward testing, making it hassle-free for individuals and businesses in need of reliable drug testing solutions.
The process for hair follicle testing in Glen Ferris, WV, is both simple and confidential. Streamlined procedures make ordering, performing, and receiving results straightforward while maintaining privacy, addressing privacy concerns and usability effectively.
Glen Ferris, WV, benefits from affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. By offering competitive rates alongside quick results, outstanding value is provided to companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Glen Ferris, WV, are unparalleled. These tests deliver quick, reliable results with high precision in detecting drug use. Unmatched speed and accuracy ensure that substances are identified rapidly, making hair testing a superior choice for those requiring immediate and accurate determinations.
Employers in Glen Ferris, WV, are provided with compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, hair tests minimize legal risks and improve workplace safety. Enhanced safety and compliance are prioritized, confirming the effectiveness of hair testing as a means to uphold policy standards and safeguard business operations.