Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The efficacy of hair testing in identifying drug and alcohol consumption has become recognized. Hair captures long-term drug and alcohol histories by embedding biomarkers within the strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, it offers approximately a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for screening and confirming tests. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, a recommendation of 150mg is given. It's advisable to weigh samples using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test result process in the lab includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where samples are initially processed into the lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial check for drugs of abuse. It's a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use for most samples, but a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Prospective positives in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
For samples flagged as positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis pertains to the hair strand itself, not to the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Myrtle, WV
Hair follicle tests stand out against traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection capabilities. Their ability to detect drugs over 90 days gives them a clear advantage. While urine tests are limited to capturing recent drug use, hair tests ensure a more comprehensive and reliable analysis.
The accuracy and reliability of hair tests make them a preferred choice in environments demanding infallible results, reducing false negatives and providing an indispensable tool against drug misuse.
Unmatched Detection Period in Myrtle, WV
Hair follicle testing captures drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, perfect for employers seeking clarity on an applicant or employee's past. This broad window offers employers an informed view of potential hires and prevents habitual users from slipping through undetected.
It allows a thorough assessment over time that urine tests simply can't match, ensuring a dedicated stance against long-term substance use.
Resilient to Tampering: Hair Testing in Myrtle, WV
The hair follicle method inherently resists attempts to alter or tamper with results. Unlike urine samples that are susceptible to dilution and substitution, hair samples render manipulation nearly impossible, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
This integrity is crucial in maintaining the authenticity of drug testing, forcing those tested to face results honestly and without unfair advantage.
Convenient Access Across Myrtle, WV and Beyond
Our nationwide network of testing facilities allows effortless access to drug testing services. This accessibility ensures that testing is a straightforward, uncomplicated process wherever you are, including local locations in Myrtle, WV.
No matter where businesses or individuals are based, quick and hassle-free testing is within reach, keeping processes smooth and efficient.
Seamless and Discreet Testing Experience in Myrtle, WV
The process from test ordering to receiving results is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. At every juncture, we prioritize privacy, ensuring clients can trust in the discretion of our services. Efficient procedures mean straightforward steps and timely outcomes.
This user-centric approach removes the stress and complexity often tied to drug testing, offering a reassuringly private experience.
Cost-Efficiency and Rapid Results in Myrtle, WV
Competitive pricing structures place us ahead, delivering prompt results without inflating costs. Our commitment to top-quality services combines value and speed, ensuring that businesses of all sizes achieve their objectives economically and efficiently.
This cost-conscious approach ensures testing services deliver return on investment through rapid and reliable results.
Achieving Fast, Precise, and Dependable Results in Myrtle, WV
Accuracy and speed define hair follicle drug tests. These tests swiftly deliver precise results on substance use. By focusing on minute traces in hair strands penetrated by drugs, they provide an accurate account of past use. The process ensures reliability without compromising speed, offering a dependably quick outcome.
Employers and individuals benefit from the high precision of hair testing, which reliably identifies drug history. It translates into trusted outcomes and informed decisions wherever it's utilized.
Assuring Compliance and Security for Employers in Myrtle, WV
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers adhere strictly to drug-free policies, mitigating legal challenges and enhancing safety standards. This robust testing methodology fosters a secure and compliant environment.
The confidence gained from accurate and tamper-resistant results gives employers the peace of mind they need, reinforcing their commitment to a safe workplace.