Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month history for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and easy to transport.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands, sized similarly to a #2 pencil, provides 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers only to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, involving the incorporation of the sample into the laboratory’s system. It includes verifying the integrity of the seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial expedient examination for substances of abuse. Although it provides a cost-effective preliminary elimination of drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Any sample that returns a presumptively positive result in Screening needs further verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than found in other methods like urine or oral fluid, explaining why hair drug screening is notably complex.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, excluding the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Burkeville, VA, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability provide a robust assessment of drug use history. Unlike urine tests, hair tests detect substances over a longer period, making it much harder to receive inaccurate results. Many officials and employers prefer this method for its ability to capture a comprehensive drug use profile over months.
Employers in Burkeville, VA, can benefit from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. This method can identify drug use for up to 90 days, giving a detailed substance history of an applicant or employee. Such a lengthy detection period ensures that employers are informed of any drug use over the past months, leading to better hiring decisions and workplace safety.
In Burkeville, VA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests ensures dependable outcomes. These tests virtually eliminate the risk of sample tampering, making the results reliable and unquestionable. The extensive observation process during collection minimizes chances of adulteration, thus providing trusted results that are essential for maintaining integrity in drug testing practices.
Burkeville, VA, offers convenient access to hair follicle testing with both local and nationwide centers. These locations provide quick and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring that individuals and employers can obtain testing without difficulty. The vast network of centers reflects the commitment to making testing both accessible and efficient.
In Burkeville, VA, the hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. Whether ordering, taking, or receiving results, the ease and privacy of the process are prioritized. Addressing privacy and convenience concerns, the procedure is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring clients receive a seamless experience from start to finish.
Offering competitive pricing and a quick turnaround, hair follicle testing in Burkeville, VA, provides exceptional value. The efficient processing and attractive pricing cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive cost-effective solutions alongside peace of mind. Timely results and financial viability make this testing choice increasingly popular among employers.
In Burkeville, VA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. They offer rapid and precise detection of substance use, leaving no room for error. Employers and individuals rely on these tests to ensure the highest level of accuracy in drug testing results. The quick turnaround and meticulous analysis set hair testing apart as the superior choice for those needing reliable and precise outcomes.
For employers in Burkeville, VA, hair follicle testing is a significant asset for ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, it offers peace of mind. This reliable testing method aids employers in maintaining a secure workplace environment free from the uncertainties associated with drug use detection and compliance.
