Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is preferred for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be obtained. In the context of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages involved in the lab assessment of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This encompasses confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be further validated to be suitable for court use. Samples suggested to be positive in Screening require an additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, further hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Any positive results from screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suggested to be positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is reviewed 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 assessment targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Galloway, WV, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing. The extended detection window of hair testing provides a detailed analysis of drug use history, spanning up to 90 days. This makes it superior to urine tests, which are limited in their detection timeframe.
Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring higher reliability and accuracy, critical for sensitive situations where precise results are necessary.
Employers in Galloway, WV, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which captures drug use histories up to 90 days. This comprehensive view aids employers in making informed decisions regarding potential hires and current employees.
The longer detection period is invaluable, offering insights into extended substance use patterns.
Hair follicle testing in Galloway, WV, is renowned for being virtually tamper-proof. The robustness of this method significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results that are beyond reproach.
Unlike other methods, hair tests provide a confidence level that is crucial for legal and employment decisions, offering peace of mind with every result.
With convenient locations Nationwide and in Galloway, WV, clients benefit from easy access to hair follicle testing services. The hassle-free experience ensures that testing is quick and straightforward, minimizing any disruptions to your day.
Our strategically placed centers guarantee that testing is never far away, making it simple for individuals and businesses to comply with testing requirements.
In Galloway, WV, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Clients can order tests, collect samples, and receive results while ensuring their privacy.
The ease of this process helps alleviate concerns regarding confidentiality, making it a viable option for sensitive or discreet testing needs.
Providing competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Galloway, WV, offers excellent value for companies of all sizes. The affordability of this method ensures that businesses can maintain rigorous testing standards without compromising on budget.
Fast receipt of results adds to cost savings by reducing potential delays in decision-making processes.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing in Galloway, WV, ensures fast and accurate results. The precision of this method allows for superior detection of substance use. Clients benefit from its reliability, which is paramount in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Hair testing processes provide confidence in their accuracy and speed. Results are swiftly delivered, minimizing downtime and ensuring prompt action when necessary.
In Galloway, WV, hair follicle testing assists employers in achieving compliance with workplace drug-free policies. The robustness of these tests reduces legal risks and enhances organizational safety, providing employers peace of mind.
This testing method strengthens workplace culture, ensuring a productive and secure environment for all employees.
