Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline by embedding biomarkers within the expanding fibers of the strand. If obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month period for drug and alcohol detection. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to manipulate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional testing, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This entails confirming the sample's seal and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry not addressed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug use in most instances, a positive result must be verified to hold up in court. Any samples that are potentially positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If during Screening a sample shows potential positivity, additional hair is taken from the sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence, hair drug screening is among the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples undergo washing if needed before confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing boasts several advantages over traditional urine testing in Achilles, VA. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests reviews an individual's substance use history more thoroughly.
Urine tests are limited by shorter detection windows, while hair tests remain reliable over extended periods.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Achilles, VA, offers comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history.
This long detection period provides employers with thorough evaluations, crucial for assessing potential employees' past substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Achilles, VA, minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results.
Test integrity is critical, with hair samples being harder to adulterate than alternative testing methods.
With convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Achilles, VA, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is quick and hassle-free.
Easy access to facilities ensures individuals can carry out tests effortlessly, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Achilles, VA, provides users with a private and straightforward experience.
Privacy and ease of process are prioritized, ensuring users' concerns about confidentiality are addressed.
Accredited Drug Testing in Achilles, VA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times on hair follicle tests.
Affordable services make it accessible, providing excellent value for companies of various sizes.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Achilles, VA. These tests are highly accurate in identifying substance use, providing fast and reliable results.
Accuracy ensures testing efficiency, making it a top choice for organizations requiring quick detection with confidence. Accuracy levels surpass those of other testing methods, offering peace of mind to employers.
Employers in Achilles, VA, find peace of mind and compliance with hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and legal adherence.
Comply with regulations effortlessly, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment.
