Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can exhibit up to roughly a 3-month detection time frame for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This incorporates checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid inspection for drug abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court admissible. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require an additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the hardest methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Whitmer, WV
Hair follicle drug tests offer superior detection over traditional urine testing due to their longer detection window. Detecting substances up to 90 days post-use offers reliability that urine tests, with their shorter window, cannot match. This provides a comprehensive view of substance use for consistently accurate outcomes.
Hair testing facilitates better accuracy, reducing the chances of evading detection. In Whitmer, WV, it equips employers with a more precise assessment of an individual's substance use history, detecting patterns missed by urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Whitmer, WV
With hair follicle testing, substance use can be identified over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window offers a robust overview of an individual’s habits, providing a more complete history than other testing methods.
Employers in Whitmer benefit from this extended window, gaining an insightful examination of a candidate’s drug use pattern, which helps in making more informed decisions about their workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Whitmer, WV
Unlike alternative testing methods, hair follicle tests provide excellent security against tampering. They significantly reduce sample adulteration possibilities, ensuring results remain reliable and trustworthy.
With its inherent resistance to manipulation, hair testing offers employers in Whitmer peace of mind, knowing their drug screening process is robust and difficult to compromise.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Whitmer, WV
Accredited Drug Testing’s vast network of centers nationwide ensures that testing services are always within reach, offering convenience in Whitmer. No matter where you are, quick and easy access to testing is available, making the process hassle-free.
Our local presence in Whitmer means reduced travel time and associated costs, making drug testing straightforward and efficient for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Whitmer, WV
Simplicity and confidentiality are key in our testing process. From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, everything is designed to protect your privacy while being user-friendly.
Participants in Whitmer can trust the process to deliver accurate results without complexity, ensuring an experience that is secure and respectful of all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Whitmer, WV
Our competitive pricing models alongside fast turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing accessible and efficient. In Whitmer, employers and individuals alike enjoy excellent value for comprehensive drug screening needs.
By balancing cost-effectiveness with speed, we ensure high-quality service without compromise, providing essential drug testing solutions suited for companies of all scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Whitmer, WV
Hair follicle tests deliver rapid, precise, and reliable detection of substance use. Their high accuracy offers unparalleled identification of drug metabolites. Results are consistent and trustworthy, ensuring effective employment or legal decisions are made swiftly.
Emphasizing accuracy, hair tests outperform alternatives by capturing substances reliably, ensuring peace of mind with every test in Whitmer. Efficiency and reliability make it a leading choice for drug detection needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Whitmer, WV
By using hair follicle testing, employers in Whitmer can confidently maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks while also bolstering workplace safety and overall peace of mind.
Hair tests enhance assurance for employers by consistently providing reliable and legally defensible results, supporting a drug-free work environment seamlessly.