Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Damascus, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair encapsulates a lengthy history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Hair collected near the scalp can offer a detection range of up to 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Moreover, hair is easy to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipment.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used instead. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.

Process Overview

The drug testing in laboratories encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting supplementary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening performs an initial evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug consumption across most samples, a positive result needs verification for legal acceptance. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a specimen appears presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair, albeit at a lower concentration than other methods like urine or oral fluid testing, highlighting hair drug testing as the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation for positive Screening outcomes utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing pre-confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection span: Hair drug testing can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a tighter detection timeline.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to cheat, rendering the results more trustworthy.
• Historical insight: They disclose a drug usage pattern over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent usage: Drugs generally become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variabilities: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Despite being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Damascus, VA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. Notably, it provides greater detection accuracy, giving employers confidence in the results they receive.

The reliability of hair testing surpasses that of urine tests, as it reduces the likelihood of false negatives. This ensures that employers uphold their drug-free policies with a dependable testing method.

Extended Detection Window

In Damascus, VA, hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window, revealing drug use over a period of up to 90 days. Unlike urine tests, this extended timeline offers more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history.

Employers benefit from this elongated detection period, as it allows them to evaluate an applicant's or employee's past behavior accurately, guiding more informed hiring or retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Damascus, VA, are known for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. This feature ensures the integrity of the sample, providing trustworthy and indisputable results.

The difficulty in manipulating hair samples is a key advantage, fostering a higher level of confidence in the accuracy and credibility of the drug testing process for all parties involved.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Damascus, VA, benefits from convenient testing locations supported by a strong network of nationwide centers, providing easy access to hair follicle tests. This accessibility ensures a seamless, hassle-free testing experience for all.

Employers and individuals alike can rely on the broad reach of testing centers, guaranteeing prompt and efficient service, regardless of their specific location requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Damascus, VA, is straightforward and confidential, ensuring ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and simplicity.

Clients can confidently undertake the testing process, assured of the confidentiality of their information and the unobtrusive nature of the test, addressing common privacy concerns efficiently.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Damascus, VA, competitive pricing and swift turnaround times characterize hair follicle testing, offering excellent value to businesses regardless of size. This affordability makes it an attractive option for many.

The fast processing of results ensures that companies can act swiftly and decisively, reinforcing the benefits of choosing hair tests for their drug screening needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Damascus, VA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its quick and precise outcomes. With superior accuracy, these tests effectively identify substance use, providing invaluable insight into an individual's drug-related history.

The fast results from hair testing allow employers to make informed decisions promptly. This speed and reliability help maintain workplace integrity, ensuring substance-related issues are addressed efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Damascus, VA, hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind and reducing legal risks. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing uphold the integrity of these policies.

By choosing hair tests, employers enhance workplace safety and demonstrate a commitment to a substance-free environment, fostering a healthier, more productive work setting.

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