Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has advanced as an effective means for detecting both drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers in their growing fibers, offering a comprehensive long-term account of alcohol and drug intake. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to three months for various substances. It is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, equaling roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a number 2 pencil), taken closest to the scalp will weigh 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and detailed analysis. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's suggested that the specimen be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" indicates only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary step where a sample gets logged into the lab’s system. This involves confirming the secure and proper shipment and sealing of the sample, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry needed beyond what an electronic custody chain system offers.
Screening acts as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective approach to negate drug usage across most samples, a positive screen necessitates corroboration to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples showing an initial positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation operates under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lost City, WV, outshines urine tests due to its superior reliability. Hair testing detects substances far more effectively than traditional urine methods.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of drug use up to 90 days. In Lost City, WV, this offers a deeper view into an individual's substance history, benefiting employers significantly.
The risk of tampering in hair follicle testing is significantly reduced, making it a preferred choice in Lost City, WV. Hair samples offer reliable results, crucial for organizations.
With convenient testing locations nationwide and local options in Lost City, WV, access to hair testing services is streamlined. Our centers facilitate hassle-free access.
The hair follicle testing process in Lost City, WV is both straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy and simplicity for users.
Offering competitive pricing and prompt results, hair follicle testing in Lost City, WV delivers unmatched value. Our services provide cost-effective solutions for businesses.
In Lost City, WV, the efficiency of hair follicle drug testing is remarkable, delivering rapid and precise results. Hair tests offer unprecedented accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliability.
Employers in Lost City, WV gain peace of mind through compliance with drug-free policies via hair tests. Hair follicle testing ensures workplace safety, mitigating legal risks.
