Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a formidable tool for detecting drug and alcohol use. The hair retains a historical record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fiber structure of the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to a 3-month period. Hair sampling is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately as thick as a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, equivalent body hair may be used. Scalp hair refers specifically to head hair, while body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test result includes four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s records. This encompasses confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary method to quickly check for drug abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening needs confirmation to be legally defensible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Tests in West Logan, WV
Hair follicle testing in West Logan, WV, is a superior alternative to traditional urine testing. With enhanced detection accuracy, hair tests provide a clear advantage, capturing substance use that might be missed by urine tests. Hair tests' broad detection window reveals a more comprehensive history of drug usage, proving invaluable to employers.
Reliability and accuracy define hair follicle testing. Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to short detection windows and potential manipulation, hair tests offer more substantial insights, making them a robust tool in detecting drug use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in West Logan, WV
Hair follicle testing offers an exceptional detection period of up to 90 days in West Logan, WV, allowing employers to thoroughly assess an individual's substance history. This extended timeframe vastly surpasses that of urine tests, presenting a detailed picture of an applicant or employee's drug usage patterns over time.
Employers gain a comprehensive view of substance use through hair testing, facilitating informed hiring or retention decisions. This prolonged detection capability makes hair follicle tests an invaluable resource for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Logan, WV
Hair follicle drug tests in West Logan, WV, offer outstanding protection against sample tampering. These tests are designed to provide reliable and indisputable results, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. Employers benefit from the security these tests provide, maintaining the integrity of their drug testing programs.
By minimizing the possibility of manipulation, hair tests establish a trustworthy foundation that employers can depend on, ensuring confidence in the outcomes and supporting robust drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in West Logan, WV
In West Logan, WV, our extensive network of testing centers provides convenient access for all hair follicle testing needs. Our nationwide presence ensures that scheduling and accessing tests are straightforward, providing quick and hassle-free service to meet local and national requirements alike.
With easily accessible locations, individuals and employers can benefit from the convenience of flexible testing options, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring swift fulfillment of testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Logan, WV
West Logan, WV, offers a straightforward and discreet process for hair follicle testing, ensuring ease of use and privacy for all participants. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is designed to be as simple as possible, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and user-friendliness.
The process is streamlined to ensure privacy, keeping personal information secure and fostering trust in the testing procedure, from initial contact to final results delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Logan, WV
Hair follicle tests in West Logan, WV, pride themselves on offering competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. Our pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value for all organizations, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality.
With a commitment to quick turnaround times, businesses can depend on efficient service that delivers peace of mind, allowing them to focus on maintaining a drug-free and compliant workplace environment.
In West Logan, WV, hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise outcomes, ensuring a reliable detection of substance use. Leveraging advanced technology, these tests deliver results with impressive speed and accuracy, making them a preferred choice for employers who require rapid and trustworthy drug testing solutions.
Efficiency meets accuracy in hair follicle testing. With the capacity to detect a wide range of substances, these tests provide clarity and confidence, streamlining the decision-making process for organizations committed to maintaining drug-free environments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Logan, WV
Employers in West Logan, WV, find assurance in hair follicle testing for ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. These tests mitigate legal risks and bolster workplace safety, allowing employers to foster a secure and healthy work environment free from the influences of substance misuse.
Hair testing reinforces an employer's commitment to compliance, reducing exposure to potential liabilities while enhancing overall corporate responsibility and safety within the community.