Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lasting record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair acquisition is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen on a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The core stages of processing a drug test in a laboratory encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process checks if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocates a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data input not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. It serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of specimens, but a positive result at this stage needs validation to be legally permissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples testing positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," this testing examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Belva, WV, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing with its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests provide a longer detection window and are far more difficult to manipulate, proving their reliability in assessment compared to traditional urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Belva, WV, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, making it a valuable tool for pre-employment and routine screenings.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Belva, WV, reduces the risk of sample contamination. This method provides results that are unquestionable and reliable, safeguarding against fraudulent practices or test manipulation.
With nationwide and local testing centers in Belva, WV, access to hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free. Our locations allow for quick and easy testing, accommodating the needs of individuals and companies.
The hair follicle testing process in Belva, WV, is simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy and ease of use, ensuring the process from testing to receiving results is seamless and respectful of individual circumstances.
Our hair follicle testing in Belva, WV, boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We offer excellent value for companies of varied sizes, ensuring quick results without compromising on quality or reliability.
Hair follicle drug tests in Belva, WV, stand out for their accuracy and speed. These tests offer fast, precise detection of substance use, ensuring reliable results for employers and individuals alike. The technology utilized guarantees high levels of detection accuracy.
For employers in Belva, WV, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Using this method helps to mitigate legal risks and enhances safety standards, offering peace of mind and reducing liabilities.
