Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history by entrapping biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for substances such as alcohol and drugs. Collection is easy, adulteration is challenging, and shipping is straightforward.
A sample of 1.5-inch hair consisting of about 200 strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for future screening and validation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unobtainable, similar quantities of body hair can be procured. The term "head hair" exclusively refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Step-by-Step Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This comprises ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data input absent in an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for the presence of drugs. Though it’s a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug consumption in most samples, a confirmed positive is necessary for court proceedings. Any samples with a presumptive positive outcome in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For samples yielding a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is utilized from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug examination is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive outcome from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed prior to necessary confirmation. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and affirmation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug screening:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine tests in Arlington, VA? The benefits are evident. Hair tests provide enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, they can track a longer drug use history, making them a superior choice when precision is key. Employers seeking dependable results will appreciate the clarity hair testing offers.
Hair follicle testing in Arlington, VA, offers a remarkable detection window, covering substance history up to 90 days. This comprehensive view allows employers insightful data about potential hires or current employees, helping ensure workplace safety by understanding past drug use.
In Arlington, VA, hair follicle drug testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant qualities. It significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results are trustworthy and unquestionable. This reliability makes it a preferred choice for those prioritizing test integrity.
Arlington, VA, benefits from convenient access to our network of nationwide testing centers. Our services ensure fast, easy, and hassle-free drug testing solutions locally and across the country, catering to all testing requirements efficiently.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Arlington, VA, is notably simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process respects privacy and promotes ease of use, addressing concerns regarding data and individual privacy seamlessly.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Arlington, VA, make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution. Our pricing structures offer great value, meeting the needs of diverse businesses while ensuring swift delivery of results.
In Arlington, VA, hair follicle testing stands out for its exceptional precision and swiftness in results. The accuracy of detecting substance usage through this method is unparalleled, ensuring reliable and fast outcomes. This efficiency fully caters to urgent testing needs while maintaining rigorous standards.
Using hair follicle testing in Arlington, VA, assures employers of compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal risks. This approach promotes workplace safety and legal adherence, providing peace of mind and enhancing overall operational security.
