Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of substance use by encasing biomarkers within the growing strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal use of alcohol and other drugs for up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, the potential for tampering is limited, and the specimens are easily transportable.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. The specimen should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This involves ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples flagged as positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those used in other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed positive undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why are hair follicle tests superior to urine tests in Hartford City, WV? The accuracy and reliability of hair testing outshine traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis of drug use, offering unparalleled detection capabilities.
Hair follicle testing in Hartford City, WV, offers an extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. Employers gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history. This longer detection period is invaluable for accurately assessing potential employees.
In Hartford City, WV, hair follicle tests are invaluable for their tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly lessens the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring results are trustworthy and definitive. Unquestionable reliability is a hallmark of hair follicle testing.
With a network of nationwide testing centers, accessibility is key in Hartford City, WV. These centers ensure testing services are quick, straightforward, and convenient, eliminating any logistical hurdles and streamlining the process for all involved.
In Hartford City, WV, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and discreet. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure addresses privacy concerns. The emphasis on confidentiality ensures both comfort and ease for all participants.
Our pricing structures in Hartford City, WV, are competitive, complemented by fast turnaround times. Affordable pricing paired with quick results makes this an attractive choice for businesses of any size, offering excellent value and reassurance.
In Hartford City, WV, hair follicle drug tests excel in delivering precise and prompt results. This testing methodology ensures a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use. Fast results and dependability cater to the needs of employers who demand swift and clear-cut conclusions.
Employers in Hartford City, WV, find that hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This ensures safety and mitigates legal risks. Employers can rest easy knowing they adhere to regulations with confidence and integrity.
