Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of alcohol and drugs. Hair can capture biomarkers within its fibers, providing a comprehensive record of alcohol and other substances over time as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, while 'body hair' spans all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary steps of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use across most samples, court-admissible status requires a confirmed positive screen. Samples suspected of being positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably reduced concentration as compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis a more intricate method than others.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed if required. The overall laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review compliant with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation pursuant to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests in Keyser, WV. By providing superior detection accuracy and reliability, they ensure that employers and individuals receive the most dependable results available, highlighting the benefits of opting for hair tests over standard urine tests.
In Keyser, WV, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, providing a fuller picture than shorter-term testing alternatives.
Hair follicle tests in Keyser, WV, significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. The reliable nature of these tests ensures that results are trustworthy and virtually tamper-proof, providing clear insights into an individual's substance use history.
Convenient testing centers nationwide, including in Keyser, WV, make accessing hair follicle drug testing straightforward. This network of locations ensures individuals can obtain tests quickly and without hassle, supporting their personal and professional needs.
The process for hair follicle testing in Keyser, WV, is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the procedure addresses privacy concerns while being easy to navigate, ensuring user ease and assurance.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Keyser, WV, a valuable choice for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures offer great value, while quick result times bring peace of mind to companies looking for efficient drug testing solutions.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Keyser, WV, are unmatched, providing results swiftly and with high precision. Their design allows for the accurate detection of substance use, instilling confidence in both employers and individuals seeking reliable testing outcomes.
Employers in Keyser, WV, can rest assured that hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind to all employers.
