Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through the capture of biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair delivers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch sample of about 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be obtained. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages included in the laboratory's drug test processing encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the introductory processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step involves ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening pertains to an initial rapid testing for drug abuse. While it serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage among most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed appropriately before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is monitored under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Squire, WV
Hair follicle testing provides a superior alternative to traditional urine tests, offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window of hair tests means up to 90 days of substance use can be reviewed, providing a comprehensive overview that urine tests cannot match. This accuracy serves employers by providing reliable evaluations of potential and current employees.
Extended Detection Window in Squire, WV
When it comes to detecting drug use, hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage with a detection period spanning up to 90 days. This extended window supports employers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance history, facilitating more informed hiring and retention decisions that contribute to a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Squire, WV
Hair follicle tests are inherently more secure than other testing methods due to their tamper-resistant nature. These tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This level of security offers a higher level of trust in the testing process and its outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Squire, WV
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that both nationwide and local locations in Squire, WV are accessible. This accessibility means quick, effortless, and hassle-free testing services, making it easier for businesses and individuals to engage in professional substance testing without logistical complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in Squire, WV
Our testing process in Squire, WV is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is streamlined for user convenience, providing a discreet and efficient service that upholds client confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Squire, WV
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times in Squire, WV. The value provided through our services ensures peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to manage substance use assessments efficiently without burdening their budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Squire, WV
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and swiftness in detecting substance use, making them an invaluable tool for employers seeking accurate information. The high accuracy of hair testing ensures that results are dependable, providing a solid basis for making personnel decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Squire, WV
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace is a proactive step towards ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment, employers gain peace of mind. This method of testing supports organizational commitment to maintaining a reputable and secure workplace.
