Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands trap biomarkers within their fibers, enabling a comprehensive history of usage as the hair grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug presence for up to three months. Hair sampling is easy to conduct, not easily altered, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. Scalp hair is specifically mentioned when referring to head hair, whereas body hair includes other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is entered into the lab’s system. This stage involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that might not be included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial brief inspection for substance misuse. While it economically helps in ruling out drug use for most samples, any positive results in screening must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Presumptively positive samples during screening necessitate a secondary verification.
For samples that are tentatively positive during the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage removes drugs from hair at lower concentrations in contrast to other methods like urine or oral fluid, marking hair drug screening as a challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed for Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. All samples deemed potentially positive are cleaned before confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and complies with the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the testing assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing
Hair follicle tests in Keystone, WV, boast superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. By analyzing hair samples, this method demonstrates higher reliability, uncovering drug use that urine tests might miss.
Extended Detection Window in Keystone, WV
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to detect drug use over considerably longer periods than other methods. Employers benefit from viewing an individual's substance history up to 90 days back.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Keystone, WV
This method significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable, unquestionable results. Hair follicle tests are almost impossible to cheat.
Convenient Testing Locations Across the Nation
With testing centers nationwide, including in Keystone, WV, accessing our services is hassle-free. Whether local or across the country, our centers offer convenient, quick access to testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Keystone, WV
Ordering and conducting hair follicle tests through our centers is straightforward and confidential. Privacy concerns are addressed with secure processes ensuring results are handled discreetly.
Affordable Pricing and Swift Turnaround
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times offer great value for companies, big or small, in Keystone, WV. Efficient processing means results are quickly delivered, providing peace of mind and maintaining business momentum.
Fast and Dependable Results in Keystone, WV
Hair follicle drug tests offer quick and accurate results, ensuring swift identification of drug use. This method is known for its high precision, making it a reliable choice for detecting substance abuse.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Implementing hair follicle testing in workplace drug-free policies ensures compliance and reduces legal risks. This method enhances safety and provides peace of mind for employers in Keystone, WV.
