Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now regarded as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a lasting record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal a roughly three-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair is straightforward to procure, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair segment containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional items, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar volume of body hair is a suitable alternative. When describing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages of laboratory testing for a drug sample are as follows: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary phase of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and dispatching of the sample, allocating an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and managing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening constitutes a preliminary assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug presence in most cases, a confirmed positive screen is essential for judicial acceptance. Samples registering a preliminary positive in Screening necessitate further corroboration.
Should a sample return a tentative positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug testing as the most complex methodology to administer.
Any positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive specimens undergo cleansing prior to the confirmation process as required. Each laboratory task, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated against both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the scalp-embedded follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bon Air, VA
Hair testing provides a much longer detection window and more detailed insights into drug usage. Unlike urine tests, hair tests reveal usage patterns over months, which is critical for thorough assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Bon Air, VA
Hair follicle tests uncover drug use over a longer period, typically up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of an individual’s substance history. This capability is invaluable to employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of their workforce's habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bon Air, VA
Hair follicle testing is highly resistant to tampering, ensuring that samples remain unchanged and accurate. This reliability is crucial for producing valid and undisputable test results, minimizing doubts about validity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bon Air, VA
Take advantage of our extensive network of testing centers, offering quick and easy access to drug testing services. Whether in Bon Air or anywhere nationwide, our facilities are ready to meet your testing needs efficiently and conveniently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bon Air, VA
Enjoy a straightforward, confidential process from ordering to receiving results. Our approach safeguards privacy, ensuring clients feel secure throughout the entire testing experience in Bon Air.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bon Air, VA
Our competitive pricing and swift results make hair follicle testing an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. We ensure high value along with peace of mind, offering quick returns on your testing investment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bon Air, VA
Hair follicle drug tests in Bon Air offer superior precision and quick turnaround. Their long detection window allows for accurate substance use analysis, surpassing other testing methods. This accuracy ensures reliable results in critical decisions, enhancing safety and integrity.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bon Air, VA
Using hair follicle testing helps employers stay compliant with drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting a safer workplace. This reliable testing method supports maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
