Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands, hair offers a long-term profile of drug and alcohol use. Sampling hair near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to approximately 90 days. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG testing, additional analysis, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is ideal. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal measurement of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for drug testing involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system may not have provided.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use for most samples, any positive results must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples that return a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or saliva, making hair drug screening one of the more challenging methodologies.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation, if needed. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation follows a review process in line with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Collinsville, VA
In Collinsville, VA, hair follicle testing is superior to urine tests due to enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer robust, consistent results, showing a clearer substance use history over time.
Extended Detection Window in Collinsville, VA
Hair follicle testing in Collinsville, VA, can detect drug use for up to 90 days. This provides an extensive view of a person's substance history, benefitting employers in decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Collinsville, VA
Hair follicle tests in Collinsville, VA, offer superior resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples drastically reduce the chance of adulterated results, ensuring dependability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Collinsville, VA
With extensive nationwide centers, including Collinsville, VA, accessing testing services is straightforward. Our locations provide prompt, convenient, and hassle-free testing workflows.
Simple, Confidential Process in Collinsville, VA
Our process in Collinsville, VA, ensures simplicity and confidentiality from ordering to results. We prioritize privacy and ease, making the entire testing journey stress-free for individuals and businesses.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Collinsville, VA
Enjoy competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in Collinsville, VA with our hair follicle tests. Our pricing strategy and quick results maximize value for companies of any size, ensuring satisfaction and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Collinsville, VA
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their precision and quick turnarounds. In Collinsville, VA, these tests offer unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use, significantly outweighing traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Collinsville, VA
For companies in Collinsville, VA, hair follicle testing secures compliance with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers.
