Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers a long-term overview of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for about a 3-month duration. It's easy to collect, moderately resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece containing around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp gives 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key procedures for processing a drug test outcome involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the introductory processing of a specimen within a laboratory’s framework. This incorporates confirming the specimen’s proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for drug misuse. Though Screening economically rules out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to hold up legally. Any samples that are potentially positive in Screening necessitate further validation.
In case a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair much less concentrated than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening exceptionally challenging.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Riverton, WV
Hair testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests, particularly in detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing has an extended detection window, providing a more comprehensive overview of substance use, making it the preferred choice for employers aiming for zero tolerance in drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Riverton, WV
Hair follicle testing boasts a longer detection window, up to 90 days, surpassing other testing methods. This feature gives employers a detailed picture of an individual’s drug use history, crucial for making informed decisions regarding employment, ensuring both safety and compliance within the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Riverton, WV
The robustness of hair follicle tests lies in their resistance to tampering. Samples are collected under strict observation, drastically reducing the possibilities for adulteration. This reliability provides employers with unquestionable results, building confidence in the testing process and ensuring integrity at every level.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Riverton, WV
Our conveniently placed testing centers nationwide, including local hubs in Riverton, WV, enable individuals and companies to access drug testing services with ease. This wide network ensures quick and hassle-free procedures, making testing seamless and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Riverton, WV
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and discreet. With simple steps for ordering and obtaining results, privacy is safeguarded, allowing individuals and organizations to conduct tests without concerns over confidentiality or complexity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Riverton, WV
Competitive pricing, paired with swift turnaround times, makes hair follicle testing an economically sound choice for businesses. Companies in Riverton, WV, gain value and assurance, knowing they are making cost-effective decisions without compromising on quality or efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Riverton, WV
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing ensures speedy and precise results. Known for its ability to detect substance use with high accuracy, this method provides quick turnarounds, minimizing waiting times and offering reliable outcomes that employers in Riverton, WV, can depend on for critical decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Riverton, WV
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies ensures strict adherence to drug-free mandates. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and enhanced workplace safety, knowing they have a dependable method to maintain compliance and a drug-free environment.
