Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a detailed history of substances by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over a span of around three months. It is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the recommended amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale, we recommend weighing the hair sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four essential steps in the laboratory drug test procedure: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial input of a sample into a laboratory system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
During Screening, there’s a preliminary examination for substance use. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a conclusive result is necessary for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need second-phase confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug detection particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen is undertaken via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any samples with presumptive positives undergo a wash if necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards using the Hair designation and maintains ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Clinchco, VA
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Clinchco, VA, several advantages become apparent. Hair tests not only provide superior accuracy but also boast a longer detection window. Their reliability ensures that employers and testers can trust the results, offering an invaluable tool in substance use detection.
Extended Detection Window in Clinchco, VA
With hair follicle testing in Clinchco, VA, the ability to detect drug use extends up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a detailed history of an applicant or employee's substance use, making informed decisions much easier and providing a comprehensive view of past behaviors.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Clinchco, VA
The hair follicle testing method in Clinchco, VA, significantly reduces the possibility of sample tampering. Its robust process ensures that the results are reliable and beyond doubt, giving organizations the confidence that test results genuinely reflect substance use habits without adulteration risks.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Clinchco, VA
Our network of testing centers, with a presence both nationally and locally in Clinchco, VA, guarantees easy and fast access to our services. This convenience simplifies the testing process, ensuring it is straightforward and efficient for all individuals and organizations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Clinchco, VA
The process of hair follicle testing in Clinchco, VA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes ease of use and privacy, ensuring that users can navigate the process seamlessly while maintaining confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Clinchco, VA
In Clinchco, VA, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. This combination of affordability and efficiency provides excellent value, making high-quality testing accessible to companies and individuals, regardless of size, while ensuring a swift turnaround.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Clinchco, VA
Hair follicle drug testing in Clinchco, VA, offers fast and precise results. Its reliability in determining substance use makes it an excellent choice, eliminating doubts and ensuring clarity in results. By adopting this testing method, individuals and organizations can rest assured about the accuracy and swiftness of results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Clinchco, VA
Employing hair follicle testing in Clinchco, VA, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances safety in the work environment, providing employers with peace of mind and a secure, compliant setting for their employees.
