Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a historical record of substances by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to roughly a 90-day period. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equals 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advisable. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample’s initial incorporation into a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary examination for signs of drug use. It is a cost-friendly approach to exclude drug usage in most cases; however, any positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate a further confirmation step.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves drug extraction from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex to administer.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The overall laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests," the test itself analyzes the hair strand, not the actual follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing has distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Chantilly, VA. A key benefit is its superior detection accuracy, which can provide a much broader picture of substance use history. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent usage, hair tests capture a wider timeframe, improving reliability and accuracy. Hair testing is particularly invaluable for employers in enforcing drug-free workplace policies.
One of the defining features of hair follicle testing in Chantilly, VA, is its ability to detect substance use up to 90 days prior. Unlike other tests with shorter detection windows, hair tests offer a more extensive period for evaluating an individual's substance history. Such a broad detection span provides employers with vital insights into an applicant's or employee's long-term behavior, aiding in more informed decisions.
The hair follicle test significantly mitigates chances of tampering, offering reliable results in Chantilly, VA. It is a method resistant to adulteration, unlike urine testing prone to various manipulation attempts. The collection and analysis process for hair tests is secure, ensuring the results are authentic. This tamper-resistant nature makes hair follicle tests the ideal choice for employers and legal entities seeking uncompromised testing results.
Accessible testing across Chantilly, VA, and nationwide makes hair follicle testing highly convenient. Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of centers ensuring quick, simple, and stress-free access to services. This extensive availability supports individuals and organizations in obtaining necessary testing without geographical limitations, making efficient drug testing solutions reachable anywhere, anytime.
Accredited Drug Testing in Chantilly, VA, offers a straightforward and confidential procedure for hair follicle testing. From scheduling to receiving results, the process is designed with privacy in mind. Users can be assured of the confidentiality of their information throughout, and the simplicity of the steps eliminates any stress, providing a seamless testing experience that respects personal privacy.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing service in Chantilly, VA, provides unmatched value. Cost-effectiveness combined with quick, dependable results ensures businesses of all sizes can conduct essential testing within budget constraints. The efficient processing leads to faster results, granting employers the peace of mind they need to maintain a safe work environment.
The precision and quick results of hair follicle drug tests in Chantilly, VA, set them apart. Unlike other methods, hair follicle tests offer a higher accuracy level, efficiently detecting substance use. This rapid testing ensures employers and concerned authorities have dependable results promptly, facilitating informed decisions without delays. Their high accuracy and speed make them a trustable option in detecting substance usage.
Employers in Chantilly, VA, gain significant peace of mind and compliance benefits through hair follicle testing. By adopting this method, businesses can maintain adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, reducing potential legal risks. Confidence in the test's accuracy helps enhance workplace safety and productivity, allowing employers to make personnel decisions with assurance and uphold corporate standards effectively.
