Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair traps biomarkers as it grows, offering a historical record of substance use over time. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can offer detection for drugs and alcohol for up to roughly 3 months. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 strands (equivalent in width to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair covers other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab processing of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step validates that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and incorporates any supplementary data not available through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial swift examination for drug abuse presence. While cost-effective for eliminating drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires verification to be legally valid. Any samples flagged as positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a positive result during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase ensures drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine testing in Centenary, VA? It's simple: the extended detection window and superior reliability make hair testing a valuable tool. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses can identify drugs taken up to 90 days prior, offering a comprehensive look into someone's substance use patterns.
In Centenary, VA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This broader timespan enables employers to attain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, proving invaluable for making informed decisions in hiring and continued employment.
With a focus on Centenary, VA, hair follicle tests significantly lessen the risk of tampering. The method used is such that results remain consistent and credible, leaving very little room for manipulation. This assurance of reliability is key for accurate assessments and maintenance of workplace standards.
Benefit from our nationwide network, including accessible Centenary, VA locations. With this convenience, obtaining a test becomes quick and seamless, ensuring that testing services are just a stone's throw away, minimizing hassle and maximizing ease for all involved.
In Centenary, VA, our drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From arranging the test to obtaining results, every step is handled with confidentiality, ensuring user privacy and streamlined service, easing any concerns about personal data security.
For Centenary, VA businesses, we offer affordable pricing and quick result turnaround. Our competitive rates combined with swift service provide exceptional value, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from our premium services without breaking the bank.
In Centenary, VA, hair follicle drug testing provides rapid and precise results, essential for accurate detection of substance use. The test's high accuracy comes from its ability to detect even small traces of drugs over extended periods, making it an indispensable tool for employers and others who require reliable testing methods.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Centenary, VA ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal liabilities and increasing workplace safety, businesses not only meet regulatory requirements but also provide peace of mind through robust, dependable testing methodologies.
