Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is considered a vital technique for recognizing drug and alcohol consumption. Through capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a prolonged timeline of substance use. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can ensure a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advocate measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages involved in the lab handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the specimen was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial quick evaluation for abusive drug presence. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples denoting presumptive positivity in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is gauged presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole laboratory procedure is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Cumberland, VA, are substantial. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing reveals a more comprehensive overview of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which can only detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a longer look-back period, showcasing past usage behaviors, offering a fuller detection picture.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Cumberland, VA, significantly surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. This long timeframe allows employers to thoroughly evaluate an applicant or employee's substance use history, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their past behaviors and aligning with workplace policies.
Offering tamper-resistant results, hair follicle tests in Cumberland, VA, are a reliable choice against sample adulteration. This testing method ensures that results remain unaltered and trustworthy, eliminating the risks associated with urine test manipulation and thus securing dependable outcomes.
Residents and employees in Cumberland, VA, benefit from convenient testing locations, part of our extensive nationwide network. This accessibility ensures that obtaining a drug test is a smooth, hassle-free experience, regardless of where you are, with prompt and easy access to services as needed.
In Cumberland, VA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, easing concerns about privacy and complexity. With simple steps for ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving results, individuals can trust the seamless experience, ensuring discretion and ease of use.
Our pricing strategy in Cumberland, VA, is competitively structured to ensure affordability without compromising quality. We deliver quick turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of any size, fostering financial peace of mind coupled with timely, accurate testing solutions.
In Cumberland, VA, hair follicle testing is renowned for its blend of speed and precision. Its high level of accuracy in detecting substance use ensures reliable results, paving the way for informed decisions. The process is swift, making accurate results available without unnecessary delays, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Cumberland, VA, guarantees compliance with strict workplace drug-free policies. This proactive approach minimizes legal risks and promotes workplace safety, offering peace of mind for employers who are committed to maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
