Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair accumulates biomarkers that reflect a prolonged record of substance use, captured in the fibers of the hair strand. When cut near the scalp, it offers a detection range up to around three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, harder to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, a similar amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in a lab’s drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While Screening economically rules out drug use in most cases, a positive screen demands confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples suspected of a positive result in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wellsburg, WV
Hair follicle testing offers remarkable advantages over traditional urine tests for drug detection in Wellsburg, WV. Their primary benefit lies in superior accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Wellsburg, WV
Hair follicle testing examines drug usage history over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, offering employers an extensive perspective on an individual's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wellsburg, WV
In Wellsburg, WV, hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering effectively. Their resilience makes them a reliable method for obtaining conclusive results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wellsburg, WV
Our accredited testing centers span nationwide, including Wellsburg, offering smooth access to services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wellsburg, WV
Our process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind, ensuring ease and privacy for participants in Wellsburg, WV.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wellsburg, WV
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, making our services an attractive choice for businesses in Wellsburg, WV.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wellsburg, WV
In Wellsburg, WV, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and precision. The meticulous process ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing results swiftly without compromising reliability.
With cutting-edge technology, our testing centers deliver consistent and trustworthy outcomes, catering to individuals and organizations demanding prompt verification of drug and alcohol use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wellsburg, WV
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures that employers in Wellsburg, WV adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and boosting safety standards.
