Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended timeline of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can exhibit up to approximately a three-month period of detectability for drugs and alcohol usage. Hair samples are easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample consisting of 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) collected nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties of hair (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results encompasses four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step verifies if the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any outstanding data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't cover.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid check for substances of abuse. It's a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug consumption in most samples; however, a positive result from screening requires confirmation before being legally admissible. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Screens indicating a presumptive positive require additional hair to be extracted from the original sample for further analysis. During this Extraction phase, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration level compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid testing), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
For any screening results testing positive, Confirmation is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with a presumptive positive status are cleansed prior to Confirmation, as necessary. Every stage, from Accessioning up to Confirmation, is examined through the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle test" is a misnomer, as the analysis targets the hair strand above the scalp, not the follicle beneath it.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests in Wharncliffe, WV?
Hair follicle testing demonstrates superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine testing. Hair samples can detect substance use over a longer duration, reducing the likelihood of false negatives. Additionally, the observed collection process diminishes the risk of sample tampering, offering a more dependable testing solution.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Wharncliffe, WV is its extended detection window. Unlike traditional methods, hair analysis can uncover drug use up to 90 days back. This broad detection range enables employers to gain a comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use history, aiding in the informed decision-making process.
In Wharncliffe, WV, the reliability of hair follicle tests lies in their resistance to tampering. Unlike other forms of testing, hair analysis mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. This process enhances the credibility of results, yielding trustworthy data that helps maintain stringent standards and accurate assessments for individuals and organizations.
Convenient testing locations both locally in Wharncliffe, WV and nationwide simplify access to necessary drug tests. Accredited Drug Testing boasts an extensive network, ensuring that individuals and employers can acquire prompt and trouble-free testing services, supporting employers and individuals alike.
The simplicity and confidentiality of the hair follicle testing process in Wharncliffe, WV ensure smooth user experiences. From ordering the test to receiving the results, steps remain hassle-free, addressing privacy concerns and emphasizing ease of use. Those tested appreciate the straightforward and discrete nature of this service.
In Wharncliffe, WV, Accredited Drug Testing upholds competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. These commitments offer exceptional value for businesses of any size, facilitating efficient operations while ensuring peace of mind concerning drug-free workplace initiatives.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Wharncliffe, WV is underscored by their speed and precision. With the ability to swiftly detect traces of substance abuse, clients are assured of reliable and accurate results. The advanced methodologies used in hair follicle testing ensure that results are not only quick but also hold a high degree of accuracy, pertinent for ensuring safety and compliance.
Employers in Wharncliffe, WV gain peace of mind with hair follicle drug testing, knowing they'll achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Implementing this method reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, fostering a secure environment where employees can thrive without the influence of drugs.
