Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of an extending hair strand, hair serves as a chronicler of substance use. Obtaining hair close to the scalp can furnish up to about a 3-month time frame for the detection of alcohol and other substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, with limited chances of tampering, and it is convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) proximate to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and corroboration. For analyses such as EtG, supplementary tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It's prudent to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome encompasses four principal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the foundational handling of a sample within a laboratory platform. This stage includes validating that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substance misuse. Even though Screening presents a budget-friendly method to exclude drug consumption in most specimens, a positive result from screening necessitates verification to be legally acceptable. Specimens that exhibit presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo further validation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting substances from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug screening is among the most demanding methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from screening employs methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory stages from Accessioning to Confirmation undergo evaluation under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs over Urine Testing in Rand, WV
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. Hair testing details drug use patterns over a more extended period, making it an invaluable tool for employers and legal authorities, providing reliability and accurate results.
Extensive Detection Window in Rand, WV
Hair follicle testing provides insights into an individual’s substance use over a prolonged period, extending up to 90 days. Employers gain a holistic perspective of an employee’s or applicant's substance history, aiding in better-informed decisions.
Secure Testing Method in Rand, WV
The nature of hair follicle testing substantially minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. It provides conclusive and indisputable results, making it a preferred choice for maintaining integrity and reliability in drug testing.
Accessible Testing Facilities and Local Options in Rand, WV
With numerous testing centers nationwide, accessing drug testing services is convenient and straightforward. Quick and hassle-free experiences are assured, providing a seamless process for all test-takers.
Effortless and Confidential Procedures in Rand, WV
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is streamlined and confidential, ensuring privacy and straightforwardness. This caters to privacy concerns and offers a user-friendly experience.
Cost-Effective and Rapid Results in Rand, WV
Competitive pricing coupled with quick turnaround times delivers exceptional value. All company sizes benefit from these economic and prompt drug testing solutions, enhancing overall satisfaction.
In Rand, WV, hair follicle drug testing offers swift, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. Hair follicle tests are distinguished by their remarkable accuracy in identifying substance usage. The rapid turnaround ensures that users quickly receive reliable results, facilitating informed decisions.
This testing method not only ensures speedy results but also maintains high precision. The accuracy level significantly reduces the risk of errors, thus ensuring confidence in the testing outcomes.
Employer Assurance and Compliance in Rand, WV
For employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal challenges and enhancing safety. This testing method delivers peace of mind, knowing the workforce is meeting regulatory standards.
