Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encompasses a prolonged history of substances like alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the elongating hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can furnish up to roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable volume of body hair may be gathered. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair applies to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab’s system. It includes verifying that the sample was duly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples appearing positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in the Screening stage, more hair is drawn from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), giving hair drug tracking its complexity.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is undertaken via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed pre-confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair to urine testing in Big Chimney, WV, hair follicle tests clearly offer superior detection capabilities. Hair testing doesn't merely cover recent usage; it provides a thorough insight into substance habits extending back months. This elevated detection accuracy makes the hair test a clear choice for those seeking comprehensive drug history evaluations.
In Big Chimney, WV, one of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing is its impressive extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can trace substance use back 90 days, offering a thorough view of a person’s drug history. This extensive range is invaluable for employers desiring a clearer picture of employee or applicant behavior over time.
Hair follicle tests in Big Chimney, WV, notably reduce the possibility of tampering compared to other methods. This testing technique ensures that results are reliable and categorical, offering peace of mind with each assessment. The structure of hair testing makes it extraordinarily difficult to alter samples, protecting the integrity of the results.
For easy and convenient testing access, Big Chimney, WV, benefits from numerous testing sites nationwide. Accredited Drug Testing makes sure that obtaining a test is smooth and straightforward, with local centers strategically positioned. These accessible locations ensure swift service without the hassle or delays, meeting the needs of communities efficiently.
The hair follicle testing process in Big Chimney, WV, is designed to be both straightforward and private. Each step, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results, prioritizes user confidentiality and convenience. This emphasis ensures that participants have a smooth experience, addressing any concerns of privacy or complexity effectively.
In Big Chimney, WV, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Quick turnaround times also mean businesses can rely on getting accurate results swiftly. These benefits collectively provide excellent value, enhancing peace of mind for small businesses and large corporations alike.
In Big Chimney, WV, hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise results, making them an optimal choice for detecting substance use. Their high accuracy ensures reliable testing outcomes, providing investigators and employers confidence in the results. Compared to traditional testing, the hair follicle method stands out for its minimal turnaround time and dependable findings.
Using hair follicle testing in Big Chimney, WV, offers employers peace of mind by promoting compliance with workplace drug-free standards. Implementing such testing reduces potential legal implications and supports the creation of a safer work environment. Organizations can confidently rely on these tests to maintain the integrity of their operations and regulations.
