Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Closely cut from the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, it's hard to tamper with, and it's conveniently shipped.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory's processes are divided into four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the primary processing step where a sample is input into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as an initial swift assessment for drug presence. Although cost-efficient for eliminating non-drug cases, any positive screen result must be substantiated for legal acceptance. Presumptive positives from Screening need further validation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations that are lower compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the challenges of hair-based methods.
The Confirmation process for any presumptive positive results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive samples are washed when necessary before confirmation. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to reviews by both CAP (College of American Pathologists) and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Cedar Bluff, VA, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests due to superior accuracy and reliability. With an extended detection window, it provides a thorough overview of a person's substance history, making it a more comprehensive option for drug screening.
While urine tests are common, hair testing is unmatched in detecting drug use over a longer period, reducing the opportunity for manipulation and increasing result validity.
Extended Detection Window
Employers in Cedar Bluff, VA benefit from hair follicle testing's capability to identify drug usage over an extensive period, often up to 90 days. This offers a broader understanding of an individual's substance consumption habits.
The extended detection window provides a thorough view of a person's history with substances, surpassing the limited timeframe of traditional urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Cedar Bluff, VA, utilizes hair follicle tests to minimize sample tampering risks. These tests are nearly tamper-proof, providing consistent and trustworthy results for any testing purposes.
Employing robust collection methods, the hair follicle test ensures accuracy and reduces the chance of adulteration, distinctly enhancing its reliability over alternative testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Cedar Bluff, VA residents have access to a network of nationwide testing centers for seamless, convenient drug testing. These accessible services make scheduling and attending tests straightforward, enhancing user experience.
Whether local or nationwide, these centers provide a hassle-free experience, ensuring quick access to essential testing services for all individuals and employers.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Cedar Bluff, VA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward, preserving confidentiality. Easily managed steps include ordering, sample collection, and result receipt, all while ensuring privacy.
The discrete and user-friendly approach alleviates privacy concerns, allowing clients to track their results confidently and without unnecessary complexity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing and quick results characterize hair follicle testing in Cedar Bluff, VA, prompting businesses of various sizes to adopt this testing method for effective and economical drug screening.
The promise of affordability paired with swift turnaround times ensures organizations receive significant value, combined with timely and reliable information, enhancing decision-making processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Cedar Bluff, VA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They offer a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance abuse, making them a preferred choice for many organizations and individuals seeking dependable results.
The process ensures swift and reliable detection, offering peace of mind to those who require fast answers. The high accuracy in identifying substance use bolsters confidence in hair testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Cedar Bluff, VA, hair follicle testing aids in maintaining adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, mitigating legal risks, and promoting safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are implementing a foolproof testing method.
Adhering to stringent testing regulations, hair tests ensure comprehensive compliance, reducing potential liabilities and fostering a secure workplace environment.
