Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. This method captures a comprehensive history of substance use by encapsulating drug markers within the hair's fibers. With samples taken near the scalp, hair testing can offer a detection period extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both preliminary screening and detailed confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's prudent to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, equivalent body hair can be collected. Head hair specifically means scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Drug test processing in a lab involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first logged into the lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data not entered through an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is a preliminary and rapid assessment for drugs. Though Screening is an economical method to disregard drug usage in most samples, positive findings require confirmation for courtroom validity. Any sample suspected of positivity in Screening needs additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than typically found in methods like urine or saliva testing, accentuating why hair drug testing stands as the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes occurs via techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation, when necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Scottsville, VA:
Hair follicle tests in Scottsville offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Their superior detection accuracy and reliability provide a clearer insight into long-term substance use. Unlike urine tests, which might miss extended drug usage, hair tests reveal a longer history, offering a detailed overview of an individual's habits.
Extended Detection Window in Scottsville, VA:
Hair follicle testing in Scottsville extends its reach by uncovering drug use for up to 90 days, far surpassing the short detection period of urine tests. This extended window offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Scottsville, VA:
The robustness of hair follicle tests in Scottsville significantly minimizes sample adulteration risks. With their tamper-proof nature, these tests deliver results that are both reliable and unquestionable, ensuring that employers receive genuine data regarding substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Scottsville, VA:
Accredited Drug Testing provides ease with our wide-reaching network of testing centers, including convenient local options in Scottsville, VA. This ensures quick, hassle-free access to testing services nationwide, enhancing the testing experience with seamless availability.
Simple, Confidential Process in Scottsville, VA:
Our straightforward and confidential process in Scottsville guarantees ease of ordering, conducting, and receiving results. Privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for all involved, solidifying trust in our testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Scottsville, VA:
With competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, our services in Scottsville, VA ensure excellent value for companies of all sizes. Whether small or large, businesses can expect efficient results without compromising on quality and affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Scottsville, VA:
In Scottsville, VA, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests offer high accuracy in identifying substance usage, making them a preferred choice for obtaining swift, precise results. Within a short span, hair tests deliver dependable outcomes, confirming or dismissing recent substance use efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Scottsville, VA:
Using hair follicle testing in Scottsville ensures employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal risks and enhancing safety measures. This approach provides peace of mind, knowing that the workforce is operating under safe and aligned conditions.
