Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of drug and alcohol use by securing biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection span for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For testing that includes EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. In the context of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within the lab's system. This process involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not already handled electronically.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for controlled substances. Although Screening is an affordable way to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be considered valid in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests tentatively positive during Screening, extra hair is retrieved from the initial specimen to prepare for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing proves superior to urine tests in Cascades, VA, especially in terms of accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a more comprehensive detection window, capturing drug use history over a longer period. This extended timeframe offers enhanced insight for employers requiring stringent drug testing policies, ensuring a drug-free workplace with greater certainty.
Hair follicle testing in Cascades, VA, is renowned for its extended detection period, offering a broader view of an individual's substance use history. Unlike other methods, it covers up to 90 days of potential drug usage, making it invaluable for employers wishing to understand the long-term habits of their applicants or employees. This detailed history aids in making informed hiring and management decisions.
In Cascades, VA, hair follicle tests are recognized for their tamper-resistant nature, providing indisputable results. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and trustworthy. Employers can confidently rely on these outcomes, knowing that the integrity of the sample is maintained and reflective of true substance usage patterns.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Cascades, VA, we provide accessible and hassle-free drug testing services. Our extensive network ensures that you can find a testing location nearby, offering swift and straightforward access to our comprehensive testing options. This convenience supports both individuals and organizations in maintaining timely and efficient testing processes.
In Cascades, VA, the process of ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test is simple and confidential. From scheduling to receiving results, clients are assured of privacy and ease of use at every step. Our streamlined process ensures that the testing experience is user-friendly and discreet, addressing concerns of confidentiality while maintaining accurate and timely results.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle drug testing in Cascades, VA, delivers exceptional value. Our affordable rates cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring that high-quality testing is accessible without financial strain. The prompt delivery of results further enhances the overall value, providing peace of mind with every test conducted.
In Cascades, VA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting a wide range of substances ensures that results are both highly accurate and delivered promptly. This makes them an excellent choice for situations where quick decision-making is critical, reducing wait times and providing dependable findings for employers and individuals alike.
Employers in Cascades, VA, benefit from hair follicle drug testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also promotes a safer working environment. By incorporating hair testing, companies can maintain peace of mind, knowing their workforce meets the necessary standards for safety and legal compliance.
