Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drugs. When gathered near the scalp, hair samples can reflect alcohol and drug usage over roughly a three-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample segment of 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for screening and confirmation purposes. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. Referring to head hair specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into the laboratory's system. It ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves drawing out drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening poses the greatest challenge in methodology.
Positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Proctor, WV, hair follicle tests offer distinct benefits over traditional urine testing. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing substance use patterns missed by urine tests. Their extended observation window provides a more complete view of an individual's drug history. Plus, hair tests are difficult to falsify, ensuring trustworthy outcomes, unlike urine tests which can be tampered with more easily.
Offering an extensive detection window, hair follicle tests in Proctor, WV, reveal drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This thorough timeframe gives employers a detailed look into an applicant or employee's substance use history. With such accurate assessments, employers can secure confident hiring and workforce management decisions, knowing they have a complete view of the individual's past substance behaviors.
In Proctor, WV, hair follicle testing effectively minimizes risks associated with sample tampering, providing credible, unquestionable results. Unlike urine tests which can be more easily altered or falsified, hair tests ensure the integrity of the sample through observed collections. This reliable method assures employers of the test's authenticity, enhancing confidence in the accuracy of the outcomes provided.
With convenient national and local testing centers in Proctor, WV, our services facilitate easy and hassle-free test access. Our expansive network ensures that individuals and businesses can swiftly arrange for testing, no matter where they are. This accessibility minimizes waiting times and travel, making it easier to maintain compliance and ensure a drug-free environment with minimal disruption to daily activities.
In Proctor, WV, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. The ease of ordering, administering, and receiving results respects privacy while simplifying procedures for all involved. This user-friendly approach addresses users' concerns regarding discretion and simplicity, ensuring the process remains private and convenient without sacrificing thoroughness.
Our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Proctor, WV, highlight the excellent value of our hair follicle tests. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive pricing structures and rapid results, offering peace of mind without excessive cost. This efficient delivery ensures businesses can maintain drug-free workplace policies effectively and economically, contributing to a safer, more productive environment.
Hair follicle drug tests in Proctor, WV, are renowned for their swift and precise results. These tests provide a high level of accuracy in determining substance use, which makes them preferable for employers seeking reliable assessments. The speed of result delivery ensures quick decision-making, while accuracy minimizes uncertainties regarding an individual's drug use history.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Proctor, WV, assists organizations in adhering to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks, and fortifying workplace safety. This compliance provides peace of mind for employers, ensuring a safe and productive work environment. By choosing hair testing, companies can enforce their drug policies with confidence, knowing they are upholding strict standards and mitigating legal concerns.
