Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a retrospective profile of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a period of up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for accurate measurement. If head hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is first entered into the laboratory system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening serves as an initial drug test. It is an economical approach to exclude drug presence in most samples; however, any positive results from Screening require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are positive during Screening undergo further verification.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
To validate any positive Screening outcome, Confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Prior to Confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results undergo a washing process. The laboratory's full workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp.
In Flemington, WV, hair follicle testing shows clear advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer a broader detection window, pinpointing drug or alcohol use over several months rather than days. This method provides a more reliable and accurate depiction of an individual's substance history, making it invaluable for employers requiring thorough and dependable testing results.
Hair follicle tests in Flemington, WV, give a much longer detection window than other tests. With a perspective extending back up to 90 days, employers gain a more comprehensive overview of substance habits. This capability is crucial for understanding long-term patterns, ensuring informed decision-making when assessing potential or current employees' substance use.
In Flemington, WV, the hair follicle test is a tamper-resistant method that substantially reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration. Its reliability ensures that results are dependable and unquestioned, thus providing employers with the assurance needed to maintain strict drug-use policies in the workplace without fear of manipulation or deceit.
In Flemington, WV, the widespread network of testing facilities makes hair follicle testing convenient, with centers nationwide available for those needing to access these services quickly. This is vital for a seamless and hassle-free process, ensuring individuals and businesses receive prompt and efficient testing without geographical barriers.
The procedure for hair follicle testing in Flemington, WV, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and then receiving results, the process is designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of use. Clients can rest assured knowing their information is secure and the process is straightforward.
For those in Flemington, WV, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing alongside a quick turnaround. This combination provides exceptional value for businesses of varying sizes, ensuring they can maintain a drug-free workplace efficiently while keeping costs reasonable, thus achieving both financial and operational peace of mind.
In Flemington, WV, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. Compared to traditional methods, they provide fast and accurate readings, quickly identifying substance use with remarkable reliability. This modern approach significantly enhances the process of drug testing, offering a high level of confidence in the outcomes for employers and other stakeholders.
Employers in Flemington, WV, obtaining peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug policies can turn to hair follicle tests. By reducing legal risks and boosting workplace safety, these tests align with drug-free policies, preserving the integrity and safety of the work environment and reassuring all stakeholders involved.
