Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing serves as a robust approach. Within the strands of growing hair, biomarkers are caught, providing a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 90-day detection span for various substances. Hair collection is straightforward, it resists being tampered with, and it is convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (about as thick as a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for testing and validation. If examining EtG, including additional aspects, or conducting tests over 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg of the material. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair not be present, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When head hair is mentioned, it is exclusively referring to scalp hair. All other hair forms, such as facial or axillary, are considered body hair.
Process Overview
The primary four stages in processing a test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing phase, bringing a specimen into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) for tracking, and completes any extra data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening conducts an initial brief assessment for illegal substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage in most cases, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples flagged as possibly positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample suggests positive results at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than seen in other testing methods like urine or saliva, which is why hair analysis is the most challenging method to perform.
Confirming any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Brentsville, VA, hair follicle testing holds several advantages over traditional urine tests. One key benefit is its superior detection accuracy, providing a more reliable account of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated and have a shorter detection window, hair testing offers consistent and accurate results that can detect drug use over a longer period.
Hair follicle testing offers a unique advantage in Brentsville, VA, with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This longer observation period provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. It captures patterns of drug use more effectively than urine tests that only account for recent use, allowing for more informed decision-making.
In Brentsville, VA, hair follicle tests are renowned for their resilience against tampering. Unlike urine tests, which are subject to adulteration, hair tests offer a tamper-resistant method. The collection process is observed, reducing the risk of sample manipulation and delivering reliable results that withstand scrutiny.
Brentsville, VA residents enjoy convenient access to nationwide testing centers, making drug testing quick and hassle-free. With local facilities available, individuals and companies can access reliable testing services without unnecessary travel, saving time and effort while ensuring testing needs are promptly addressed.
The process of hair follicle testing in Brentsville, VA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure respects privacy and ensures ease of use. With a straightforward approach, individuals can have confidence in both the convenience and discretion of the testing process.
In Brentsville, VA, businesses of all sizes can benefit from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle testing. The competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value, while the quick results provide peace of mind, enabling companies to efficiently manage their drug-testing needs without excessive costs.
In Brentsville, VA, the speed and reliability of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests deliver results swiftly with remarkable accuracy, making them invaluable for those needing prompt insight into an individual's substance use. The precision of these tests means you can confidently rely on the findings, ensuring that the outcome is both fast and dependable.
Employers in Brentsville, VA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing by upholding drug-free workplace policies. This method ensures compliance with legal standards, reducing potential legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. With hair testing, employers can confidently enforce their drug policies, promoting a safer and more compliant work environment.
