Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a comprehensive historical account of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can provide a detection timeframe of up to roughly 90 days for various substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When we refer to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This stage verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective measure to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to stand in court. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those used in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is particularly complex.
Confirming any positive Screening outcome occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that presumptively test positive are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Huttonsville, WV lies in its enhanced detection efficiency. Hair examinations offer superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests, thanks to their ability to cover an extensive period of substance history. This method provides stakeholders with a broader understanding of substance usage, surpassing conventional options by offering detailed insights.
Extended Detection Window in Huttonsville, WV positions hair follicle testing as a formidable tool for identifying drug use over a substantial time frame, reaching up to 90 days. This method allows employers to gain a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance background, offering a clearer view of usage patterns and thus better informing hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Huttonsville, WV showcases hair follicle tests' capability to curtail the risks associated with sample tampering. By employing a collection process that is both observed and rigorous, these tests deliver unquestionable and reliable results, ensuring that stakeholders receive accurate representations that withstand scrutiny and challenge.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Huttonsville, WV provide seamless access to testing services. Boasting numerous centers across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the testing process, ensuring both local and broader regional coverage. Individuals benefit from rapid, straightforward service, ensuring stress-free testing experiences each time.
Simple, Confidential Process in Huttonsville, WV underscores the ease and discretion involved in ordering, executing, and retrieving test results. This user-friendly process addresses premium concerns such as privacy, empowering users to undertake testing with assurity and ease, knowing that their private details are safeguarded through each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Huttonsville, WV feature competitive cost structures paired with swift processing times. Accredited Drug Testing delivers unmatched value, catering to businesses of all dimensions with reasonable pricing and swift delivery, offering clients both fiscal savings and expedited access to critical test outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Huttonsville, WV highlight the precision and rapidity of hair follicle tests. Known for their excellent accuracy in identifying substance use, they provide timely and reliable results to users. With sophisticated lab processes, hair tests ensure high detection fidelity, positioning them as a trusted choice for stakeholders requiring dependable substance use insights.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Huttonsville, WV can be attained through hair follicle testing, securing adherence to workplace drug policies. This technique mitigates legal exposures, bolsters workplace safety, and promotes a substance-free environment. By relying on this trustworthy method, employers can confidently enforce workplace standards.
