Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand, offering a long-term record of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence over an approximate period of 3 months. It's easy to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab system. The process involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data entry tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary and quick assessment for commonly abused drugs. Although screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, court-admissible results require confirmation of positive screenings. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is withdrawn from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than other methodologies (e.g. urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives are cleansed pre-confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing lies in its ability to offer superior detection accuracy and reliability in Brambleton, VA. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a longer detection window and nearly eliminates the risk of tampering, ensuring more dependable results.
Extended Detection Window makes hair follicle testing advantageous for understanding an individual's substance use history. In Brambleton, VA, it provides a comprehensive view by identifying drug use over as long as 90 days, helping employers gain insights into an employee's past substance activities.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is a key benefit of using hair follicle tests, especially in Brambleton, VA. This method significantly reduces risks associated with sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestionable outcomes for drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations ensure that getting a drug test is quick and hassle-free in Brambleton, VA. With centers spread across the nation, accessing these testing services becomes straightforward, offering ease and convenience for all customers.
Simple, Confidential Process is what makes hair testing in Brambleton, VA, stand out. The straightforward protocol for ordering, testing, and receiving results respects privacy, providing users with confidence in the seamless nature of the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are hallmarks of hair follicle testing services in Brambleton, VA. Clients gain excellent value not just for the competitive pricing but also for the rapid results that cater to businesses of varying sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are important factors when choosing a drug testing method in Brambleton, VA. Hair follicle tests stand out due to their high precision in detecting substance use. Their speedy results make them a favored option, providing both accuracy and quickness in identifying drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers can be achieved through hair follicle testing in Brambleton, VA. This testing assures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal concerns and contributing to a safer working environment.
