Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption, hair analysis captures enduring evidence by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the expanding hair strand. When clipped near the root, a hair sample can reveal usage insights for alcohol and other substances spanning roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Gathering 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (approximating a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg, the preferred quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is advisable. It is suggested to assess the specimen’s weight using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn’t accessible, a comparable amount of body hair might be gathered. When mentioning head hair, the reference is to scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses every other hair type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome consists of four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system, which includes confirming the sample’s seal and shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any additional data entry absent in an electronic custody system.
Screening implies a swift initial evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly way to identify drug usage in the majority of samples, any positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening must undergo a further confirmation step.
For samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug testing being the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis in fact evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brumley Gap, VA The superiority of hair follicle tests lies in their superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. These tests offer a more extended detection window and are less prone to evasion, making them a preferable choice in ensuring a drug-free environment for employers and the community.
Extended Detection Window in Brumley Gap, VA One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to trace drug use over a considerable period, generally up to 90 days. This capability enables employers to gain a thorough understanding of the substance history of current or prospective employees, allowing for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brumley Gap, VA Hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, which may be manipulated, hair tests offer trustworthy results. This resistance reduces the likelihood of adulteration, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brumley Gap, VA Our network of testing centers, available nationwide and locally in Brumley Gap, VA, ensures that drug testing is an easily accessible and hassle-free process. Accessibility to these facilities guarantees quick and convenient service for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brumley Gap, VA The process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure is designed to safeguard privacy while being user-friendly, addressing any concerns regarding personal data.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brumley Gap, VA Our competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times make our hair follicle testing an excellent value for companies of any size. We prioritize delivering quick results without sacrificing quality, ensuring peace of mind that comes from a reliable testing provider.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brumley Gap, VA Hair follicle drug testing is regarded for its precise and swift detection capabilities. Unlike other methods, it offers a high degree of accuracy in spotting substance use. Whether for workplace compliance or personal reasons, the hair test provides prompt and dependable results that employers and individuals can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brumley Gap, VA Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances the safety of the work environment, offering peace of mind by ensuring regulations are met without compromise.
