Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Abbott, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lengthy timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler's scale. If head hair is unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an early assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires further confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any sample found presumptively positive in Screening necessitates a subsequent verification.

In cases of presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.

Verification of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter window.
• Hard to evade: Hair drug tests are challenging to fraud, yielding more accurate results.
• Offers historic data: It reveals a pattern of drug usage over time, not only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Does not detect recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to show in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Abbott, VA

• Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability.
• They offer a broader timeframe for detecting drug use.
• Traditional urine tests often miss long-term drug patterns.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Abbott, VA

• Hair follicle tests track drug use for up to 90 days.
• This offers a comprehensive view of substance history for employers.
• It surpasses the short detection window of urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Abbott, VA

• Hair tests greatly reduce the risk of adulteration.
• They ensure sample integrity, providing reliable results.
• This tamper-proof nature is a distinct advantage.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Abbott, VA

• Our testing centers are accessible nationwide.
• This ensures quick and simple access to testing services.
• Local facilities in Abbott simplify the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Abbott, VA

• The process of ordering and taking tests is straightforward.
• Our results delivery respects both privacy and convenience.
• Concerns of confidentiality are thoroughly addressed.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Abbott, VA

• We provide competitive pricing structures for all businesses.
• Quick turnaround times enhance service value.
• Our service offers peace of mind, balancing cost and efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Abbott, VA

• Hair follicle tests provide unmatched precision in detecting substance use.
• The evaluation process is both swift and accurate, ensuring reliable outcomes.
• This speed and precision set hair testing apart from conventional methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Abbott, VA

• Hair testing supports adherence to drug-free policies.
• It reduces legal risks, enhancing workplace safety.
• Employers gain confidence through clear, accurate testing.

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