Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains a protracted record of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers within its growing strands. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch fragment of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is given. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be accessed, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifies only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory drug test processing consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s database. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal credibility. Samples with presumptive positives during Screening ought to receive further confirmation.
Should a sample prove presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are filtered from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), thus rendering hair drug screening one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test analyses the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in McWhorter, WV, offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. It provides more accurate detection and reliability in identifying drug use. Its ability to trace substance use over a prolonged period proves invaluable, presenting a superior choice for comprehensive drug screening requirements.
Employers in McWhorter, WV, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. This method traces drug use up to 90 days, giving a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. Such extensive coverage aids in evaluating applicants or employees comprehensively, ensuring informed decision-making.
In McWhorter, WV, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests is a significant advantage. These tests mitigate sample adulteration risks, guaranteeing reliable outcomes. The method's integrity ensures that the results are unquestionable, providing confidence in substance detection accuracy.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient location options for hair testing across McWhorter, WV, and nationwide. Our numerous centers make access to testing hassle-free, ensuring that individuals and employers can quickly and easily conduct the required tests with minimal inconvenience.
The hair follicle testing process in McWhorter, WV, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step respects privacy, providing ease of use for clients. This straightforward procedure addresses any privacy concerns while ensuring seamless testing experiences.
Our hair follicle testing in McWhorter, WV, presents competitive pricing coupled with fast turnaround times. This balance of affordability and speed delivers excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive efficient and budget-friendly drug testing solutions.
In McWhorter, WV, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. These tests provide accurate substance detection, offering reliable results that enhance trust. The method's swift processing ensures timely delivery of outcomes, making it an optimal choice for organizations seeking dependable drug-testing solutions.
Using hair follicle testing in McWhorter, WV, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers peace of mind. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety, supporting a healthier and more secure work environment.