Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use due to biomarkers being captured within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal an approximate 3-month usage period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplements, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advised. If scalp hair cannot be procured, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair indicates all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for laboratory analysis of a drug test includes these core phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a specimen into a lab’s system. Tasks include ensuring the specimen was properly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any leftover data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary swift evaluation for drugs typically abused. Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, yet a positive indication needs verification to be recognized legally. Samples testing positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample return positive in Screening, extra hair is taken from the initial collection and set for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging to conduct.
To confirm any positive screen, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All presumptive positive samples undergo a pre-confirmation wash as necessary. The lab process end-to-end from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted using both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Known often as "hair follicle tests", it's the hair strand analyzed, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Batesville, VA
Compared to standard urine tests, hair follicle testing excels with its superior accuracy and reliability. It significantly enhances detection capabilities, providing a clearer picture of individual substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Batesville, VA
With an impressive detection period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing gives employers a broader understanding of an individual's past substance habits, making it indispensable for comprehensive evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Batesville, VA
Hair follicle tests substantially minimize the likelihood of sample tampering. This method guarantees reliability, delivering results that are trustworthy and conclusive, ensuring integrity in testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Batesville, VA
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees easy and rapid access to services, making the testing process smooth and stress-free for everyone involved, whether nationally or locally in Batesville.
Simple, Confidential Process in Batesville, VA
The procedure for ordering, executing, and obtaining test results is both straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and ease of use, alleviating any concerns for the individuals undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Batesville, VA
We offer competitive pricing and quick result delivery, providing outstanding value. This combination of affordability and effectiveness is beneficial for companies across various scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Batesville, VA
Delivering precise and efficient outcomes, hair follicle drug testing in Batesville ensures superior detection of substance use. Its accuracy is unmatched, offering results that stakeholders can trust for decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Batesville, VA
Adopting hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It lessens legal vulnerabilities and boosts workplace safety, providing employers with much-needed assurance and tranquility.
