Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by sequestering biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair shaft. When collected in proximity to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to dispatch.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp constitutes 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal specimen for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result involve four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase wherein a sample is processed into a lab's system. This entails confirming the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary examination to detect drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires Confirmation to hold up in a legal setting. Any sample with a tentative positive in Screening needs secondary verification.
Should a sample test tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing tentative positivity undergo washing prior to Confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing highlights the numerous benefits found in Onego, WV. Hair analysis offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over conventional urine tests. Hair tests can detect substance use over longer periods, while urine tests are limited to more recent use, offering a broader scope. These advantages make hair testing a preferred choice, ensuring more reliable results.
Extended Detection Window in Onego, WV, shows that hair follicle testing can track drug use for up to 90 days. This offers a wider lens into one’s past substance use, assisting employers in making informed decisions about potential hires or current employees. With this long detection span, hair tests provide a clearer picture of one's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Onego, WV, assures reduced risk of sample adulteration. Hair follicle tests are incredibly hard to manipulate, giving authentic and indisputable results. This method ensures integrity and trust in the outcome, providing peace of mind that results reflect true substance use patterns.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations include local options in Onego, WV, ensuring quick and hassle-free testing service access. A network of centers streamlines the process, making testing accessible and easy. This vast coverage ensures that wherever you are, reliable testing resources are within reach.
Simple, Confidential Process is a staple in Onego, WV, making it straightforward to order, take, and receive results. Addressing concerns about privacy, the process ensures information remains confidential while maintaining ease of use, so you stay informed without added stress.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Onego, WV, present competitive pricing and swift delivery of results. Quick feedback provides peace of mind for businesses of any size, ensuring you get value for money without delays in decision-making. These factors blend to support businesses in financial and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are what define hair follicle drug tests in Onego, WV. With peak efficiency, these tests outshine others in precision. Their high accuracy ensures that detected substance use is trustworthy, saving time for both employers and individuals. These tests simplify processes with swift sample analyses, guaranteeing reliability and ease.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Onego, WV, with hair follicle testing, is achieved effortlessly. These tests uphold drug-free policies and minimize legal risks, helping maintain a secure work environment. Employers gain assurance, knowing the tests ensure compliance and help create a safer workplace.
