Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recently, hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and substance intake by embedding indicators within the strands' fibers during growth. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 90-day timespan for detecting alcohol and substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
To obtain an optimal sample for testing and verification, a 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp is required, yielding 100mg of hair. For tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is suggested. In instances where scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair alone, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The principal phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a specimen is integrated into the laboratory's workflow. This step involves ensuring the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, confirmation is required for a positive result to hold up in legal proceedings. Those samples preliminarily testing positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Upon initial positive detection during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, the substances are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or saliva), marking hair analysis as one of the more challenging techniques to execute.
Any positive findings from screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples assumed positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. Each phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to frequently as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in White Sulphur Springs, WV: Hair testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy allows for a longer period of drug use identification, often revealing up to 90 days of history. Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring reliability in results.
Extended Detection Window in White Sulphur Springs, WV: Hair follicle testing is invaluable for its ability to track drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. This offers employers a thorough insight into an applicant or employee's substance use history, providing a comprehensive evaluation tool.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in White Sulphur Springs, WV: Hair follicle tests stand out as a tamper-resistant option. By reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests provide results that are reliable and unbiased. Trust in the integrity of your testing process with this secure method.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in White Sulphur Springs, WV: Our network of testing centers provides unmatched convenience. Whether in White Sulphur Springs or across the country, access to our services is quick, easy, and hassle-free, offering clients peace of mind and reliability.
Simple, Confidential Process in White Sulphur Springs, WV: The procedure for ordering, participating in, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy, ensuring your peace of mind and a seamless experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in White Sulphur Springs, WV: Our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times deliver exceptional value without compromising quality. Experience efficient and budget-friendly testing options suited for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in White Sulphur Springs, WV: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests offer high accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a favored option over other testing methods. With swift analysis, ensure you get dependable results promptly, streamlining decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in White Sulphur Springs, WV: Implementing hair follicle testing is a step towards ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances safety and trust within the workplace environment.
