Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
With its capability for spotting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing emerges as an effective approach. Hair traps biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands, offering a significant timeline of drug and alcohol history. When collected near the scalp, hair offers detection for drugs and alcohol over a span of up to about three months. It is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment of hair around 1.5 inches long, approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil and comprising nearly 200 strands, provides 100mg of hair, which is considered optimal for both assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to assess the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be an option, a matching quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The major phases in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the initial step, where a sample integrates into a laboratory's system. This process ensures the sample has been sealed and delivered correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data not integrated through an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drug abuse indications. While Screening economically eradicates drug indication in numerous samples, positive screenings must undergo confirmation to be court-acceptable. Presumptively positive samples during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the initial sample for Extraction. During this process, drug elements are retrieved from hair at far lower concentrations than in other methods like urine or oral fluids, highlighting why hair drug testing stands as the most intricate procedure.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common terminology "hair follicle tests," the actual examination concerns the hair strand, not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hilltop, WV - Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its extended detection window and resistance to tampering ensure more reliable outcomes.
Unlike urine tests that capture recent drug use, hair tests reveal a more comprehensive substance use history, enhancing accuracy and dependability.
Extended Detection Window in Hilltop, WV - Hair follicle testing provides an unmatched advantage with an extended detection timeframe, tracking substance use up to 90 days. This thorough overview aids employers in assessing an individual's drug history, giving them confidence in the results.
The extensive detection period enhances decision-making, offering a fuller picture of the candidate's habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hilltop, WV - Hair follicle drug tests significantly minimize the potential for sample tampering. By collecting samples directly from the source, they offer a level of security and trust not found in other methods.
The integrity of the test process ensures that outcomes are both reliable and unquestionable, solidifying its role as a leading choice in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hilltop, WV - Our extensive network of testing centers across the country ensures quick access to drug testing services. With facilities also situated locally in Hilltop, testing becomes a seamless process.
This widespread availability provides ease and convenience, supporting individuals and employers alike in their testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hilltop, WV - Ordering, taking, and receiving results from our hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and private. User-friendly procedures prioritize confidentiality, addressing concerns about privacy and ease.
Our testing approach ensures comfort and security for all involved, fostering trust in the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hilltop, WV - We offer competitive pricing and rapid test result turnarounds, providing excellent value for organizations of any size. Quick processing times ensure efficiency, helping satisfy urgent requirements.
Our dedication to cost-effective testing does not compromise quality, making it accessible without sacrificing reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hilltop, WV - Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its swift and precise outcomes. The meticulous process ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use, offering peace of mind and confidence. Leveraging advanced technology, our tests quickly deliver reliable results, aiding in making informed decisions.
The efficiency of hair testing translates to dependable detection, setting the standard in substance analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hilltop, WV - Adopting hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This approach significantly reduces legal risks, promoting safety and confidence.
By integrating thorough testing, businesses can uphold robust policies, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment.