Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an efficient mechanism for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month window to reveal alcohol and drug use. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In instances where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be secured. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses any other hair type (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This process includes checking if the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial, swift evaluation for potential drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening outcome necessitates further confirmation to be legally valid in court. Samples flagging positive during Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for further Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than would be seen with other modalities (like urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging to perform.
For confirming a positive screening result, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually involves assessing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hamlin, WV
In Hamlin, WV, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing reveals a broader window of drug detection, making it a more dependable choice. While urine tests are limited by a shorter detection timeframe, hair tests can uncover substance use spanning up to 90 days, boosting accuracy and reliability significantly.
Extended Detection Window in Hamlin, WV
Hair follicle testing provides a formidable detection window of up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe delivers a thorough overview of an individual's drug history. Employers in Hamlin, WV find this feature invaluable for assessing potential employees, ensuring that those screened have not engaged in substance use for an extended period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hamlin, WV
Hair follicle tests are a vital asset in the fight against sample adulteration. Utilizing a tamper-resistant method, they ensure that the integrity of the sample remains intact. Residents and businesses in Hamlin, WV can be confident in receiving indisputable results, which are difficult to compromise or falsify.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hamlin, WV
With a network of testing centers across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees convenience for those in Hamlin, WV. Our facilities provide hassle-free access to necessary testing services, ensuring that individuals and companies can swiftly and easily complete required drug tests without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hamlin, WV
Accredited Drug Testing offers a seamless and discreet process for conducting hair follicle tests in Hamlin, WV. This straightforward procedure addresses privacy concerns at every stage—from ordering and sample collection to receiving results—ensuring ease of use and confidentiality for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hamlin, WV
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible and efficient for businesses of any size. By choosing our services in Hamlin, WV, companies receive excellent value along with the reassurance of timely and dependable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hamlin, WV
Hair follicle tests in Hamlin, WV are renowned for their precision and promptness. Their meticulousness in detecting substance use surpasses many other testing methods, ensuring quick and highly accurate results. Individuals and companies rely on these tests for their effectiveness in confirming substance usage histories with unsurpassed accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hamlin, WV
Employers in Hamlin, WV benefit significantly from hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This testing method reduces legal exposure, promoting safety and peace of mind among workers while enhancing the overall reliability of employment screening processes.
