Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by securing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the recommended amount for both initial analysis and verification. For EtG screening, add-ons, or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically indicating scalp hair only. Body hair includes any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps involved in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a specimen into the laboratory’s systems. This process verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an automated chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary swift assessment for substance misuse. Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug usage in most specimens, yet a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal defensibility. Any specimens that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are separated from the hair at a significantly lesser concentration than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging technique to execute.
Any positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation if required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Kincaid, WV, hair follicle tests excel over urine tests with superior detection capabilities and consistent reliability. The ability to detect drugs for up to 90 days surpasses the traditional urine test. This extended timeline ensures users are thoroughly monitored, offering a complete view of substance use history, a feature urine tests lack.
Moreover, the accuracy of these tests is unrivaled, as they are not easily manipulated, ensuring a genuine reflection of substance use.
For employers in Kincaid, WV, hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection time. Unlike conventional methods, hair testing can reveal substance use history over a span of up to 90 days, providing insight into long-term behaviors.
This extensive detection window offers a clearer picture, enabling employers to make informed decisions regarding their workforce's sobriety.
Hair follicle testing in Kincaid, WV significantly deters sample tampering, ensuring integrity. Unlike other methods, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, resulting in highly reliable and unquestionable outcomes.
This tamper-resistant process fortifies the authenticity of results, establishing trust and peace of mind for both individuals and organizations.
Convenience is key, as demonstrated by our national network of testing centers, including local facilities in Kincaid, WV. Testing is simplified, offering fast, hassle-free access nationwide. This broad reach assures individuals and organizations of seamless services having locations easily accessible.
Whether near or far, clients can rely on swift and efficient testing procedures, reinforcing accessibility and support.
In Kincaid, WV, the process of getting tested and receiving results is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, simplicity and privacy are prioritized, ensuring a smooth experience without concerns over data security.
This user-friendly approach caters to individuals' needs, offering a discreet yet efficient service tailored to enhance convenience and privacy.
Affordable pricing coupled with prompt results characterize our drug testing services in Kincaid, WV. Our competitive prices ensure excellent value, appealing to organizations of varying sizes seeking reliable testing.
This synergy of cost-effectiveness and swift processing makes our service an attractive option, providing organizations with fast turnaround and exceptional value without compromising quality.
The precision and promptness of hair follicle testing stand out in Kincaid, WV. Results from these tests offer high accuracy in detecting various substances, ensuring that evaluations are both fast and reliable. This intense scrutiny offered by hair follicle tests highlights their efficiency in providing trustworthy outcomes.
Fast and accurate, this testing process quickly identifies drug use, offering dependable results that support critical decision-making for individuals and employers alike.
In Kincaid, WV, utilizing hair follicle tests assures employers of adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Such measures reinforce compliance, significantly reducing the risk of legal issues while promoting safety in the work environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workplace maintains high standards for health and safety, bolstered by reliable testing practices.
