Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for monitoring drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains biomarkers in its fibers, offering a prolonged historical record of substance use. When hair samples are gathered near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol consumption up to three months prior. This method is straightforward for collection, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches containing about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred specimen amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The four pivotal phases in a drug test's laboratory processing encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning desribes the initial steps of integrating a sample into a lab's workflow. This consists of ensuring the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing additional data tasks not handled by an electronic custody chain.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Despite being an economical approach for excluding drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive outcome in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results from Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation process.
When a presumptive positive result arises in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair at comparatively lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), establishing hair testing as a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples deemed presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is continually assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cluster Springs, VA
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing in Cluster Springs, VA are clear. Hair tests can unveil substance use with unparalleled accuracy, surpassing urine examinations by spotting even minimal consumption and offering more consistent outcomes. The longer detection period also elevates it as the discerning choice for various entities.
Extended Detection Window in Cluster Springs, VA
In Cluster Springs, VA, hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. Employers gain a nuanced understanding of an individual's substance history, thanks to this prolonged detection window, which serves as a pivotal tool in making informed decisions about potential hires or current staff's drug use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cluster Springs, VA
Cluster Springs, VA sees reduced risks of sample tampering with hair follicle tests. Unlike other methods, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, making them highly reliable. This tamper-resistant quality ensures that results derived are trustworthy and stand up to rigorous scrutiny, offering users peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cluster Springs, VA
Being part of a vast network of testing centers, Cluster Springs, VA benefits from our extensive reach. Individuals and businesses can access our services conveniently and without delay, thanks to widely distributed locations, ensuring no matter where you are, a testing center is always within reach.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cluster Springs, VA
In Cluster Springs, VA, our streamlined process for hair follicle testing ensures ease of ordering, taking tests, and receiving results. This confidentiality guarantees user privacy, as every step is designed with discretion, ensuring users' details remain secure while accessing essential testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cluster Springs, VA
Cluster Springs, VA offers competitive pricing on hair follicle drug tests, with rapid processing times that deliver prompt results. Businesses of varied sizes can benefit from these cost-efficient arrangements, receiving substantial value while ensuring effective monitoring of drug use within their organizations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cluster Springs, VA
Hair follicle drug tests in Cluster Springs, VA offer unrivaled precision and speed. The accurate detection of substance use is significantly assured with the method's capability to trace even the smallest quantities of drugs. This reliability ensures that users receive conclusive results promptly, catering to both individuals and organizations seeking swift resolution.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cluster Springs, VA
By adopting hair follicle testing in Cluster Springs, VA, employers can reinforce adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This step diminishes potential legal complications and fosters a safer workplace environment, promoting both security and compliance, and ensuring business operations run smoothly.
