Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and examinations above 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. To ensure precision, we suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types such as facial, underarm, etc.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the lab is composed of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a specimen within the laboratory's system. This step includes confirming that the sample is sealed and shipped securely, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not automated by the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial, rapid assessment for drug use. While Screening is a cost-saving method to eliminate drug use from most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples considered presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing in Dante, VA, by offering superior accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests detect more recent drug use, hair tests provide a longer detection timeframe.
Employers prefer hair tests for their near-impossible evasion. Hair testing captures comprehensive drug usage history, providing clarity that urine tests can miss.
In Dante, VA, hair follicle testing allows for an extended detection period, identifying drug usage up to 90 days prior. This generous window offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history.
This long-term detection is invaluable for assessing an applicant’s or employee's substance habits, aiding in informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Dante, VA, offers a tamper-resistant method, significantly decreasing the potential for sample alteration. This robustness ensures trustworthy and conclusive results.
Compared to other methods, hair testing's resistance to manipulation provides confidence in the integrity of the results, crucial for legal and professional decisions.
Accredited Drug Testing revolutionizes convenience with nationwide locations, ensuring effortless access to testing services in Dante, VA. Our centers provide swift and accessible processing, minimizing disruption.
With local and national facilities, our clients enjoy the flexibility of comprehensive testing coverage, simplifying the logistics of maintaining a drug-free environment.
In Dante, VA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, prioritizing privacy and user accessibility. From ordering to receiving results, each step respects your confidentiality.
Users experience a streamlined procedure, ensuring ease of use and peace of mind in sensitive matters such as drug testing.
Offering competitive prices and fast results, our hair follicle testing services in Dante, VA, provide excellent value and reassurance for businesses of all sizes. Swift turnaround times ensure prompt decision-making.
Our affordable pricing structure makes hair testing accessible, combining economic efficiency with impeccable service quality.
The rapid results of hair follicle testing in Dante, VA, offer exceptional accuracy and dependability in detecting substance use. Their high sensitivity ensures meticulous identification of drug traces, providing clarity for decision-makers.
With state-of-the-art technology, these assessments swiftly deliver outcomes. This efficiency benefits both employers and individuals seeking quick validation of substance-free status.
Employers in Dante, VA, achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, legal risks are reduced, and a safer environment is established.
This testing method ensures adherence to regulations, helping companies maintain a disciplined and safe workplace while minimizing potential liabilities.