Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have become recognized as an effective method for uncovering the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by keeping biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a detection window of up to 3 months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, making tampering with it challenging, and it is simple to mail.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for thorough screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG or more than 10 panels, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. The term 'head hair' specifically references scalp hair. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result can be broken down into four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any necessary data not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
In the Screening stage, an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse is undertaken. Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples; however, results that are positive necessitate verification to be legally valid. Samples preliminarily deemed positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
For samples preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is utilized and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is examined under the Hair designation by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) and within the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
When considering drug testing options in Madison, WV, hair follicle testing emerges superior to traditional urine tests.
This method provides enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, identifying drug use more efficiently.
Employers benefit from hair tests as they eliminate the possibility of manipulation, presenting a clearer picture of an individual's substance usage.
In Madison, WV, hair follicle testing monitors drug consumption over a prolonged timeframe.
Providing evidence of drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a detailed insight into substance use history.
This extended detection window makes hair testing invaluable for understanding an individual's long-term habits, significantly benefiting employer evaluations.
In Madison, WV, the hair follicle testing process is robust against tampering.
Its stringent collection process minimizes adulteration risks, delivering trustworthy outcomes.
This reliability ensures test results remain unaffected by external interference, granting peace of mind to both evaluators and subjects.
Convenience comes standard with our extensive network of testing locations nationwide, including in Madison, WV.
Our centers facilitate easy access to testing services, eliminating hassle and delays.
Whether local or across the nation, our services are designed for quick and efficient testing solutions.
The hair follicle testing process in Madison, WV, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality.
Ordering tests is straightforward, with privacy assured at each step.
From taking the test to receiving results, the entire process is designed to be user-friendly, addressing concerns of discretion and ease.
In Madison, WV, we offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle testing.
Our affordable rates provide excellent value, catering to companies of diverse sizes.
Prompt test results deliver peace of mind, ensuring businesses can continue operations smoothly and effectively.
In Madison, WV, hair follicle drug tests promise swift and precise outcomes, offering superior accuracy in identifying substance intake.
These tests are designed to quickly determine drug use, ensuring fast results without compromising accuracy.
The methodology employed in hair follicle tests guarantees dependability, making them highly reliable for both employers and individuals seeking testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug testing in Madison, WV, is a powerful tool for employers to ensure policy compliance.
It supports drug-free workplace initiatives, minimizing legal pitfalls, and improving safety.
Employers gain assurance knowing they're investing in a reliable testing method aligning with organizational standards.
