Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair serves as a chronicling medium for alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch collection consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be obtainable, a similar amount of body hair may be utilized. In context with head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This process involves ensuring the sample's sealing and appropriate shipment, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug usage across most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold in a legal context. Any samples that exhibit presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, further hair is retrieved from the original specimen to ready it for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are separated from hair at markedly lower concentrations than alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyses the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Callands, VA. Hair testing offers enhanced detection abilities compared to traditional urine tests, providing superior accuracy and reliability for employers and courts. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing uncovers drug usage over a far more extended period, giving a clearer picture of a person's substance use habits, and significantly reducing the chance of test manipulation.
Extended Detection Window in Callands, VA. Hair follicle drug testing excels at detecting substance use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This wide window enables employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a person's drug or alcohol history, going beyond recent behavior to assess long-term patterns, thereby ensuring a more secure and informed hiring process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Callands, VA. Hair follicle tests are a reliable method to minimize the risk of sample tampering. The testing process is designed to be nearly impossible to cheat, providing accurate and unquestionable results that give employers confidence in their assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Callands, VA. Our extensive network of testing centers across the country ensures that individuals and employers have quick, easy, and seamless access to essential testing services. Whether in Callands, VA or beyond, clients can enjoy the convenience of nearby locations for their testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Callands, VA. The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and ensures privacy. Rest assured that confidentiality is maintained, addressing any concerns regarding personal data and ease of testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Callands, VA. Our competitive pricing models combined with rapid turnaround times provide businesses of any size with great value and reliability. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have chosen a cost-effective and efficient solution for your testing requirements.
In Callands, VA, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their remarkable precision and promptness in delivering results. This testing method excels in accurately identifying substance use, offering clients a reliable snapshot of an individual's drug history. With its swift processing and high degree of accuracy, hair follicle testing stands out as the preferred choice for discerning employers.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Callands, VA. By implementing hair follicle testing, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety. This method supports a secure work environment while providing peace of mind for management.
