Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol presence. Hair can offer a detailed timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When samples are taken close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol consumption for up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken from the scalp is needed to yield 100mg, deemed the optimal sample for both initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, extra testing, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equal amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in analyzing a drug test outcome in a laboratory are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage of integrating a sample into a lab's workflow. This phase checks if the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any data gaps not covered by an electronic custody protocol.
Screening constitutes the preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Though it serves as a cost-efficient approach to dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Samples indicating a likely positive in Screening must undergo secondary verification.
A presumptive positive result in Screening leads to further sample preparation for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity involved in hair drug screening.
Positive screening results proceed to Confirmation via methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the tests analyze the hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brightwood, VA
In comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the former provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which might miss substance use if the window is short, hair tests offer a clearer view, enhancing the dependability of the results obtained in Brightwood.
Extended Detection Window in Brightwood, VA
The main advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This comprehensive view offers employers in Brightwood a detailed assessment of an individual's substance history, facilitating informed decisions about potential hires or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brightwood, VA
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the chance of sample tampering, offering results that are both reliable and difficult to doubt. In Brightwood, these tests provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that the outcomes reflect true substance use without interference.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brightwood, VA
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience with numerous testing centers across the nation and local facilities in Brightwood. This accessibility ensures easy and efficient testing procedures, making it straightforward for individuals and companies to meet their testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brightwood, VA
The process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, making it easy for individuals to order, take, and receive test results. In Brightwood, privacy concerns are addressed efficiently, ensuring the process remains discreet and user-friendly for all involved parties.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brightwood, VA
Our competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing an excellent value in Brightwood. Companies of all sizes benefit from the affordability and quick delivery of results, aligning well with budgetary constraints and operational timelines.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brightwood, VA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their impeccable precision and speedy results. Their ability to accurately detect substance use ensures that both individuals and organizations in Brightwood receive trusted outcomes. With these tests, practitioners can confidently assess substance use, marking them a top choice for accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brightwood, VA
Hair follicle testing aids employers in meeting drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks, and beefing up workplace safety. In Brightwood, this testing method contributes not only to policy compliance but also offers peace of mind, knowing the workforce adheres to set standards.
