Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair contains a comprehensive archive of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the growing strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to harvest, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the volume of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If head hair isn't accessible, the equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When addressing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for analyzing a drug test consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the entry phase of a sample into the lab's records. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data input not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive indication must be substantiated for legal credibility. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening require further validation.
If a sample is presumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug analysis is one of the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently dubbed "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing’s advantages are evident. Extended detection periods ensure substance use isn’t missed, giving employers an edge in maintaining drug-free environments.
In Prince, WV, these tests’ ability to deliver more accurate readings over time substantially boosts their reliability, proving superior to urine testing.
The comprehensive insight provided by hair tests supersedes traditional methods, as its greater timeframe and resistance to tampering make it a preferred choice for detecting substance use, ensuring more consistent monitoring and a safer workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Prince, WV extends the detection window significantly, offering a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history.
This advanced method can identify substance consumption for up to 90 days, surpassing the timeframe covered by urine tests. Employers find this invaluable for assessing substance habits over a prolonged period.
The capability to review a long-term history of substance use through hair testing offers employers crucial data about a candidate or employee, aiding decision-making processes and reinforcing company policy regarding drug use.
The risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced with hair follicle tests in Prince, WV.
Unlike urine samples, hair samples are collected in a manner that prevents alteration, thus ensuring unquestionable results.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing offers a safeguard against manipulation, securing the test’s integrity and offering indisputable results to employers and authorities.
This robust testing method supports employers in maintaining a drug-free environment by providing reliable data that is difficult to contest or compromise.
In Prince, WV, convenience is key with our widespread testing centers available nationwide. These locations provide simple, hassle-free access to reliable testing services.
Our centers are strategically placed to ensure a seamless process, supporting quick access to essential services for both individuals and employers.
With centers located across the United States, Accredited Drug Testing assures easy access to vital drug testing. This accessibility supports both local and national needs, facilitating immediate and dependable service delivery.
The process for hair follicle testing in Prince, WV is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results is streamlined, ensuring ease and privacy.
The steps are simple, providing users with a hassle-free experience while maintaining secrecy and reliability.
Privacy is prioritized, with efficient methods ensuring information remains secure. The seamless process reassures participants of their confidentiality, enhancing the overall testing experience.
In Prince, WV, affordable pricing combined with a fast turnaround makes hair follicle testing a wise investment for companies of all sizes. Competitive rates ensure budgeting clarity, while
rapid processing means faster insights into an individual’s drug use, supporting quick decision-making.
This testing extends excellent value, balancing cost and efficiency to meet both organizational and financial needs effectively. Access to quick, affordable solutions helps maintain standards and peace of mind.
In Prince, WV, the precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures quick, accurate detection of substance use. High accuracy is intrinsic to these tests, differentiating them substantially from other methods.
The efficiency with which samples are processed minimizes wait times, delivering results promptly while maintaining superior reliability in detecting various substances.
Hair follicle tests eliminate the guesswork, providing consistently reliable results. Their capability to detect drugs swiftly and accurately enhances workplace safety and compliance, providing peace of mind for employers and professionals alike.
Employers in Prince, WV gain compliance and assurance by adopting hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies lowers legal risks and enhances overall safety.
This contributes to a healthier work environment by fostering trust and reliability.
Hair testing's reliable results support compliance checks, offering employers peace of mind and mitigating potential legal challenges. The reliability of these tests strengthens safety measures and encourages a productive workspace.
