Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term archive of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. A sample collected from close to the scalp can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, with minimal opportunity for tampering, and it is easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp yields 100mg, which is an ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair relate exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Processing a drug test result in the lab involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the stage where the sample is initially logged into the laboratory’s system, ensuring it was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective method to detect drugs of abuse in most samples, though a positive result requires Confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation procedure.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods such as urine or oral fluid. Consequently, hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are pre-washed before Confirmation if needed. All stages from Accessioning to Confirmation are conducted in line with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually involves the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Despard, WV, hair follicle testing stands out for several reasons, particularly its detection accuracy. The ability to uncover drug use over a longer timeframe surpasses that of traditional urine tests, offering a more reliable assessment of substance use history.
While urine tests focus on short-term use, hair testing captures a longer history, rendering it a superior choice for thorough drug use verification.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Despard, WV, is its extended detection window, which can reveal substance use up to 90 days prior. This breadth provides employers with a comprehensive profile of an applicant or employee's potential drug use history.
Such insights are invaluable for making informed hiring and employment decisions, where understanding past behavior can be critical.
In Despard, WV, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing risks of sample adulteration. This method ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy.
By choosing hair follicle testing, employers can be confident in the integrity of their drug screening process, bolstering the validity of the results obtained.
In Despard, WV, the accessibility of testing services is ensured through our extensive network of centers nationwide, offering exceptional convenience. This infrastructure facilitates quick and straightforward access to hair follicle testing solutions.
Whether local or remote, our numerous facilities guarantee a hassle-free testing experience, emphasizing efficiency and ease for all users.
In Despard, WV, the process for conducting hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, designed to prioritize user privacy and ease. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined, ensuring a seamless experience.
This confidentiality reassures individuals undergoing testing, highlighting our commitment to safeguarding personal information throughout the process.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Despard, WV, delivers excellent value. Companies of all sizes will appreciate our budget-friendly options, combined with rapid results.
By choosing our services, organizations can enjoy both economic and efficient testing, ensuring peace of mind alongside substantial cost savings.
In Despard, WV, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy, offering fast and dependable results. Their precision in detecting substance use ensures informed decision-making, enhancing the reliability of testing outcomes.
Employers and individuals benefit from the swift analysis these tests provide, highlighting their effectiveness in identifying drug use. In circumstances where timing is crucial, the expeditious nature of hair tests cannot be overstated.
Employers in Despard, WV, gain compliance and peace of mind by incorporating hair follicle testing into their protocols. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thus minimizing legal risks.
By maintaining rigorous testing standards, businesses can foster safer work environments, aligning with regulatory requirements and enhancing workplace security.
