Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is considered a potent method for identifying the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Hair acts as a timeframe for tracing drug and alcohol markers by capturing them within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the skin surface, hair can offer as much as a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A sample of about 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (around a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp, results in 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and confirming. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Conversely, body hair pertains to other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with processing a sample into a lab’s system initially. It ensures that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening helps cost-effectively exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to stand in court. Samples deemed positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at a far lower concentration compared to other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug examination the most complex to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, aligns with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination involves analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests presents multiple benefits in Boswell's Corner, VA. When comparing detection accuracy, hair testing stands out with its superior ability to identify drug use over time.
The reliability of hair testing surpasses that of urine testing, offering a longer window for drug detection. Its enhanced accuracy provides peace of mind for employers seeking thorough screenings.
In Boswell's Corner, VA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is unmatched. With the capability to reveal drug use up to 90 days, this testing offers a detailed view of an individual's substance habits.
Employers appreciate the long detection period, which supplies a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's drug history. This expansive window is a significant advantage over other testing methods.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Boswell's Corner, VA ensures the integrity of the results. This testing method provides a significant reduction in the likelihood of sample adulteration.
Employers and legal entities benefit from reliable and unquestionable results, as hair follicle tests are difficult to manipulate, offering an honest reflection of an individual's substance use.
Convenience of testing access in Boswell's Corner, VA is enhanced by our widespread network of testing centers. Nationwide availability ensures a quick, simple, and non-intrusive testing process.
Our local Boswell's Corner facilities make drug testing more straightforward for residents and businesses, ensuring they have the support needed right in their vicinity.
The process of undergoing hair follicle testing in Boswell's Corner, VA is both simple and confidential. From the ordering phase to receiving results, we ensure privacy and ease of access.
Privacy concerns are mitigated with strict confidentiality protocols, making the experience user-friendly and secure for all who partake in hair testing services.
Cost-effective and timely solutions characterize our hair testing services in Boswell's Corner, VA. Competitive pricing ensures that businesses of all sizes can afford quality drug testing services.
In addition to affordability, our quick turnaround times deliver high value, providing peace of mind and efficiency for companies needing rapid results.
Hair follicle drug testing in Boswell's Corner, VA is renowned for its swift and accurate results. The precision of these tests in detecting substance use offers unparalleled reliability. Individuals and companies alike trust hair testing for its proven accuracy.
The speed with which hair follicle tests deliver results is vital for urgent scenarios. With high accuracy, these tests ensure that conclusions drawn about substance use are both dependable and timely.
Employers in Boswell's Corner, VA gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. These tests support adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal vulnerabilities.
The enhanced safety and compliance provided by hair testing are pivotal in sustaining a secure work environment. This testing method helps in reinforcing the company's commitment to a safe workplace.
