Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for detecting substance use. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, it offers up to a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, about the width of a #2 pencil, should consist of approximately 200 strands, providing 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. Should scalp hair be insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This step involves checking if the sample is sealed and shipped appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most cases, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptively positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to methodologies like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening a more complex process.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", this test examines hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp
In Apple Grove, VA, the benefits of hair follicle testing surpass those of traditional urine tests due to superior detection accuracy. Hair testing offers a longer detection window, which provides a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance use history, assisting employers and courts in making informed decisions with more reliable data.
Hair follicle testing in Apple Grove, VA, extends the detection period for drug use up to 90 days, far surpassing conventional testing methods. This extended window allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, enhancing their ability to assess potential risks and make informed management decisions.
Apple Grove, VA, professionals recognize hair follicle tests for their resistance to tampering. The method significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and virtually unquestionable. This level of trust makes hair testing an essential component in settings where accuracy and integrity are paramount.
With a network of testing centers across the country and locally in Apple Grove, VA, accessing hair follicle testing services is convenient and hassle-free. This nationwide reach ensures that anyone requiring drug testing can efficiently obtain the services they need without unnecessary delays or complications.
In Apple Grove, VA, the process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. Designed to protect privacy, the testing service allows individuals and organizations to undertake drug testing responsibly and securely, catering to concerns of confidentiality and ease of use.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Apple Grove, VA, make hair follicle testing an accessible option for companies of all sizes. This testing provides excellent value, reinforcing its role as a cost-effective solution for drug screening needs without sacrificing quality or speed of results.
The precision and speed of hair follicle tests provide invaluable advantages over other testing methods in Apple Grove, VA. These tests boast high levels of accuracy, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use in both workplace and legal settings. Their ability to swiftly produce reliable results helps ensure timely decision-making for various purposes.
For employers in Apple Grove, VA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances the safety of the working environment, giving both employers and employees peace of mind regarding workplace integrity and standards.
