Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. It offers an extended history of such substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can illustrate a traceable pattern of substance use over about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, often resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
Acquiring a sample of 1.5 inches in length consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, specialized, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg amount is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for measuring the specimen’s weight. In the absence of scalp hair, a proportional quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial introduction of a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entries not covered by an electronic custody control system.
Screening serves as an initial, quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient means of discounting drug use in most samples, results showing positive indications need further corroboration to meet legal standards. Samples presumed positive during Screening require subsequent verification.
A presumptive positive in Screening signifies additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this process, substances are extracted at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample is cleansed prior to Confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle that resides beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Buchanan, VA highlights several key advantages. The superior detection accuracy of hair testing offers clear benefits over traditional urine tests. It's more reliable for assessing long-term drug or alcohol use and provides an unmatched window into substance history.
Hair testing in Buchanan surpasses urine tests in breadth and depth, providing a comprehensive view that urine tests can't match. This makes it a favored choice in contexts demanding high reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Buchanan, VA allows for the scrutiny of substance use over a lengthy period—up to 90 days—giving employers in-depth insight into applicants' or employees' substance history. This extended window is a crucial feature for enforcing comprehensive workplace policies.
The ability to look back months enhances the confidence employers can have in ensuring a drug-free workplace and supports more effective screening processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Buchanan, VA showcases how hair follicle tests significantly reduce risks associated with sample adulteration. The hair test's design ensures reliable and unquestionable results, offering peace of mind to employers determined to maintain integrity in testing processes.
By minimizing the possibility of tampering, businesses ensure they uphold rigorous standards, trusting the security of their testing methodology.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Buchanan, VA, ensure easy access to testing services. Accredited Drug Testing's network spans multiple cities, offering quick and hassle-free opportunities for citizens to get tested promptly and conveniently.
Local testing sites minimize travel and waiting times for clients, emphasizing the emphasis on convenience and client satisfaction.
Simple, Confidential Process in Buchanan, VA simplifies the procedure for ordering and obtaining hair test results. Accredited Drug Testing emphasizes easy steps, from ordering to collection to retrieval, ensuring privacy throughout the process.
Concerns about data protection and patient confidentiality are fully addressed, assuring that personal information is safely managed, reinforcing user trust.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Buchanan, VA underscores Accredited Drug Testing’s commitment to affordability without compromising quality. Companies benefit from competitive pricing designed to fit various budgets while enjoying a quick turnaround on test results.
By combining value and promptness, businesses of all sizes can maintain compliance and peace of mind without incurring excessive costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Buchanan, VA highlight the superiority of hair follicle drug tests in precision and speed. These tests detect substance use with remarkable accuracy, ensuring that employers receive the most trustworthy data promptly.
Hair follicle testing provides businesses with swift outcomes, minimizing downtime and allowing for quick decision-making. Companies benefit from the confidence provided by reliable and precise testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Buchanan, VA is essential. Hair follicle testing ensures employers remain adherent to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks while promoting a safer, more productive workplace environment.
This commitment to compliance not only strengthens company policy but also reinforces employee confidence in the workplace, contributing to a culture of safety and trust.
