Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Offering a long-term record, hair encapsulates biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. A sample cut closely to the scalp allows for an approximate 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. Scalp hair specifically refers to head hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning commences with integrating a sample into the laboratory’s database. This process includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive Screening result must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For any sample showing a presumptive positive in the Screening step, additional hair is utilized from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, the drug is extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory pathway from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Granville, WV? Hair testing offers unrivaled accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides an extended detection window, capturing usage patterns over a longer period. This superior capability translates to clearer insights and reduced false negatives, reinforcing the validity of findings. The meticulous collection process further elevates the credibility of hair testing.
Granville, WV, benefits from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which can reveal drug use over up to 90 days. This wide timeframe gives employers a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance habits, enabling better-informed decisions. The ability to detect usage far beyond the limitations of shorter-term tests allows for a comprehensive evaluation of potential risks.
In Granville, WV, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests is a compelling advantage. Minimizing the chance of sample tampering, these tests deliver reliable, unquestionable outcomes. The stringent collection process, which precludes easy manipulation, ensures the integrity of the sample and, consequently, the accuracy of the test results, safeguarding the reliability of the findings.
With testing centers nationwide, our Granville, WV location exemplifies convenience. Individuals benefit from easy access to testing services, eliminating the hassle associated with drug screenings. This widespread availability ensures that, regardless of where you are, testing is quick and accessible, making the process seamless and efficient.
In Granville, WV, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and peace of mind for all parties involved. Our method prioritizes ease of use, reassuring individuals about the security of their personal information while providing a smooth testing experience.
Offering cost-effective solutions in Granville, WV, our competitive pricing structure ensures fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from these affordable rates, reinforcing their commitment to workplace safety without breaking the budget. Our services guarantee value and quick results, facilitating effective management decisions.
In Granville, WV, hair follicle drug tests ensure rapid, precise, and dependable results. These tests boast high accuracy in revealing substance use, providing essential details swiftly. This efficiency means individuals and employers don't face prolonged waiting periods. The prompt nature of hair testing instills confidence in the results, underscoring its reliability for various applications, from workplace safety to personal assessments.
Employers in Granville, WV, gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. Adhering to workplace drug-free policies becomes more achievable, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. By opting for this method, organizations not only prioritize compliance but also promote a secure and productive environment, which benefits both employers and employees alike.
