Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now acknowledged as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to retrieve, moderately challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 hair strands (approximately akin to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount needed for analysis and corroboration. For EtG, extra tests, and/or testing beyond 10 chemical panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. It's recommended to measure the hair on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair specify scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure to achieve a drug test outcome comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial management of a specimen within a lab's workflow. It entails ensuring the sample was properly sealed and forwarded, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for prohibited substances. Although it provides a cost-effective solution for negating drug presence in most samples, a positive screening outcome must be substantiated for legal admissibility. Samples yielding positive presumptive results during Screening necessitate a confirmatory test.
Should a specimen show presumptively positive results in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lesser concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which explains why hair evaluation stands as the most intricate method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcomes takes place through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all positive presumptive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug evaluation:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Wins Over Urine Testing in Burke, VA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several key areas. It ensures superior accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use, providing a robust alternative for organizations and individuals alike. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection span, hair tests offer an extended window, making it harder to evade detection, thus proving more effective.
Longer Detection Windows in Burke, VA
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window provides employers and individuals with a detailed view of an individual's substance intake history. By offering insights into long-term use patterns, hair tests are invaluable for thorough substance monitoring.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Methods in Burke, VA
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration. The methodology behind hair tests is inherently tamper-resistant, providing results that are both reliable and hard to question. This feature assures stakeholders of the test's legitimacy, affirming its role as a crucial tool for monitoring drug use with integrity and trust.
Convenient Testing Locations - Nationwide and in Burke, VA
We provide convenient access to testing through our nationwide centers, including local facilities in Burke, VA. These locations ensure that the testing process is quick, easy, and hassle-free, catering to the needs of businesses and individuals alike. This widespread availability enhances accessibility, efficiency, and convenience.
Simple and Confidential Testing Process in Burke, VA
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure simplicity and discretion are maintained, offering ease of use for our clients. This straightforward approach means there's minimal disruption while guaranteeing confidentiality and accuracy throughout.
Affordable and Fast Turnaround Times in Burke, VA
We offer competitive pricing structures without compromising on service speed or quality. Our fast turnaround times ensure companies of all sizes receive exceptional value, enhancing their operational efficiency. This commitment to affordability and rapid service delivery supports businesses in maintaining drug-free environments economically.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Hair Testing in Burke, VA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and swiftness in detecting substance use. These tests are not only accurate but also deliver results quickly, making them ideal for individuals and organizations seeking dependable testing solutions. With a greater accuracy margin, hair testing ensures that any drug use is accurately identified without the doubt often associated with other methods.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burke, VA
By embracing hair follicle testing, employers can confidently enforce compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This method not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances safety in the work environment. Offering reassurance to both employees and employers, hair testing helps maintain a lawful and safe workplace, fostering peace of mind.
