Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become regarded as an effective method for detecting drugs and alcohol usage. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate usage of alcohol and other substances for around a 3-month duration. Collection is straightforward, manipulation is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both screening and verification purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests consisting of more than 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unattainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples indicated as positive during Screening need further validation through a secondary process.
In instances where a sample yields a positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of performing hair drug testing.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 regulations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Reader, WV, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine testing when comparing benefits. Hair tests offer unmatched accuracy and can detect drugs over longer periods. Whereas urine tests can only detect recent usage, hair tests comprehensively cover up to 90 days of potential substance use, offering a more reliable method in assessing any drug use history.
The extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing in Reader, WV, offers a major advantage. These tests track drug use for up to 90 days, far surpassing the capabilities of blood or urine tests. For employers, this means a thorough overview of an applicant’s or employee’s substance use history, aiding in more informed hiring and employment decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Reader, WV, are revolutionizing how we ensure the reliability of drug testing. Unlike other methods, the process is significantly resistant to tampering, thereby maintaining the integrity of the results. This assurance is crucial for employers and institutions relying on drug test results for key decisions.
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country, including Reader, WV, ensures that accessing hair follicle drug testing is both convenient and quick. No matter where you are, our services are easily accessible, making the process seamless for both individuals and businesses.
The process for hair follicle testing in Reader, WV, is user-friendly and strictly confidential. With minimal steps, from ordering to receiving results, participants can rest assured of their privacy. This simplicity and discretion make our testing process one of the most trusted options available today.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Reader, WV, make our hair follicle testing an affordable choice for companies of every size. By providing value and efficiency, businesses can ensure high-quality testing without compromising their budget or waiting for extended periods for results.
The speed and reliability of hair follicle drug tests in Reader, WV, are unmatched. With our cutting-edge technology, results are fast and accurate, effectively detecting any substance use. This efficiency ensures that employers receive the most reliable data quickly, offering insights not just into current use, but a longer history than most alternatives can provide.
Employers in Reader, WV, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal risks and reinforcing workplace safety. By opting for hair testing, employers can confidently maintain a productive and secure environment.
