Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. By obtaining hair samples near the scalp, one can uncover a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp, yields about 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for initial screening and validation. For EtG enhancements or testing exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the foundational step of incorporating a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and undertaking additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening serves as an initial cursory evaluation for substances of abuse. Though it provides a cost-efficient approach to dismiss suspected drug use in most cases, a positive screening needs affirmation to hold in legal settings. Samples showing presumptive positive results must undergo a secondary confirmation.
When a sample indicates a presumptive positive status in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair, which is present in significantly lower quantities compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug testing being the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the guidance of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.
In Paden City, WV, hair testing trumps urine testing with superior accuracy. Hair tests provide a wider detection window than urine tests, offering more detailed drug use insights.
The reliability of hair tests in detecting substances makes them ideal for employers needing precise information, unlike urine tests.
Employers choose hair over urine tests for zero-tolerance policies as they capture long-term substance use more efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in Paden City, WV offers an extended detection period, up to 90 days, tracing back drug use for a comprehensive overview.
Employers prefer hair tests to ascertain an applicant or employee's past substance use, providing valuable information that urine tests cannot.
This longer detection window of hair testing allows for an in-depth review of a person's drug history, enhancing workplace safety.
In Paden City, WV, hair follicle testing is a robust tamper-resistant method, reducing the risk of sample adulteration significantly.
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests provide unquestionable results, preventing attempts to alter the sample effectively.
The nature of hair testing makes it difficult to tamper with, ensuring integrity and reliability in every result collected.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide locations including Paden City, WV, ensuring easy access to necessary services.
With local availability, clients have quick and hassle-free testing options that suit their unique needs efficiently.
Our widespread network of testing centers provides seamless, stress-free experiences for everyone requiring precise drug testing.
Testing in Paden City, WV is simple and confidential, allowing individuals to order, complete, and receive results with ease.
Privacy concerns are addressed comprehensively, ensuring a streamlined process anyone can confidently use.
The convenience of our confidential procedure means that testing is a straightforward experience, from start to finish.
Our pricing in Paden City, WV is affordable, paired with fast turnaround, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Accredited Drug Testing delivers both budget-friendly services and rapid results, crucial for companies looking for efficiency.
Fast processing time and competitive rates make drug testing accessible without compromising on quality or speed.
In Paden City, WV, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and prompt results. Speed and accuracy ensure drug use is detected reliably, providing peace of mind.
Employers find hair testing valuable for its fast and accurate outcomes. Each test captures extended drug use history, alerting to potential substance issues effectively.
Hair follicle tests quickly identify drugs in the user's system, thanks to advanced testing methods, minimizing the chances of error.
Employers in Paden City, WV gain peace of mind using hair follicle tests, ensuring strict compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
This testing method helps reduce legal risks and enhances safety by accurately detecting employees who may compromise workplace integrity.
With hair follicle testing, organizations can confidently enforce drug policies, maintaining a secure, compliant environment.
