Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective mechanism for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When the sample is taken near the scalp, it delivers nearly a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both preliminary screening and confirmation. For EtG or additional add-ons and for tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar volume of body hair can be utilized. When we specify head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair while body hair pertains to all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test in a lab involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is entered into the lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample is sealed and delivered properly, assigning it a randomized Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data inputs not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out a rapid initial assessment for possible drug presence. While it's a cost-efficient methodology for excluding drug consumption in the bulk of samples, any sample with a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal acceptance. All samples presumptively positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a notably reduced concentration than other methods like urine or oral fluids, which makes hair drug screening one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair delineation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Triumphs Over traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy in Ararat, VA. These tests detect drug use more reliably and over a longer period, which is a significant advantage for employers and legal bodies.
The consistency in results further makes hair testing a more trusted method than urine tests, especially due to the extended detection window and resistance to manipulation.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle tests in Ararat, VA, provides insights into substance use over a longer timeline, often up to 90 days.
This feature allows employers to get a comprehensive view of an applicant’s substance history, ensuring more informed hiring decisions and monitoring employee compliance.
Tamper-Resistance stands out as a key advantage of hair follicle tests in Ararat, VA. These tests minimize the risk of sample tampering and adulteration, ensuring reliable results.
The integrity of hair testing is fortified through observed collection processes, making it the gold standard for accurate substance abuse testing.
Convenient Locations Nationwide Drug testing has never been easier with our numerous centers spread out from coast to coast, including local options in Ararat, VA.
This wide network ensures convenient access for individuals and businesses alike, facilitating quick and hassle-free testing experiences for everyone involved.
Simple and Confidential Process The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward in Ararat, VA.
Our emphasis on maintaining confidentiality ensures that all personal data and results remain private, addressing any concerns clients may have regarding privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Testing Solutions Our hair follicle drug tests offer a balance of competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Ararat, VA.
This provides excellent value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their employee screening processes.
Fast and Accurate Testing Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering quick and accurate results. In Ararat, VA, the precision with which these tests are conducted ensures a high degree of reliability.
The process eliminates errors commonly associated with traditional tests, offering peace of mind for those who rely on timely and precise substance detection. The swift turnaround time is unmatched, making it a preferred choice.
Compliance and Assurance Hair follicle testing in Ararat, VA ensures that employers meet workplace drug-free requirements, enhancing safety and reducing legal risks.
By adopting this method, companies foster a secure work environment, promoting peace of mind and operational integrity across their workforce.
