Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp area, hair can offer an approximate detection span of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered the optimal sampling for evaluation and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to utilize a jeweler’s scale for accurately weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair not be available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. In referring to head hair, this pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four crucial phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's infrastructure. This process involves certifying that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse evidence. Despite Screening being a cost-effective strategy for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be validated to be valid in legal contexts. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For any samples presumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug checks are the most challenging to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing excels over traditional urine tests in Boydton, VA, due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent drug use, hair testing provides a comprehensive look over an extended period. This makes it ideal for companies committed to maintaining a stringent drug-free policy.
Employers in Boydton, VA benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. Capable of revealing drug use history up to 90 days, it gives a clear overview of an applicant’s or employee's past substance intake, aiding in informed decision-making for safer workplace environments.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Boydton, VA, minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring authenticity and dependability. Accredited Drug Testing's procedures protect against manipulation, providing credible outcomes essential for ethical compliance and safety standards.
With convenient locations nationwide, including Boydton, VA, accessing testing services is seamless with Accredited Drug Testing. Our expansive network ensures that individuals and employers can easily reach testing centers, guaranteeing a streamlined, hassle-free process.
The process for hair follicle testing in Boydton, VA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, Accredited Drug Testing safeguards privacy and ensures ease, addressing any concerns regarding discretion and user-friendliness in drug testing services.
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround make hair follicle testing in Boydton, VA, a cost-effective solution. Accredited Drug Testing offers great value for companies of all sizes, ensuring fast and reliable results without compromising budgetary requirements.
In Boydton, VA, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed for identifying substance use. Accredited Drug Testing ensures results that are both accurate and timely, providing employers with the necessary insights to maintain a drug-free environment. The process involves detailed analysis and validation, guaranteeing reliability.
In Boydton, VA, adopting hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free protocols, offering employers peace of mind. This method enhances safety and reduces legal risks by ensuring compliance, ultimately contributing to a secure and professionally responsible work setting.
