Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The recognition of hair testing as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug use has increased. This is because hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering an extended record of consumption. When sampled close to the scalp, hair reveals drug and alcohol intake for a span of nearly three months. The collection process is straightforward, making it less prone to tampering, and it's conveniently shipped.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) can yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial testing and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or any panels exceeding 10, it's advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. It's ideal to measure the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair is not accessible, a corresponding amount of body hair is sufficient. Specifically, head hair refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is entered into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample is accurately sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any remaining data requirements not captured by an electronic custody system.
Screening entails an elementary examination for drugs of abuse. Though screening effectively eliminates drug presence in most samples at a reduced cost, a positive indication demands further confirmation to stand in legal contexts. Samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening will require additional confirmation.
Samples that test positively in the Screening phase undergo further processing in Extraction. At this stage, drug compounds are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods like urine or oral fluids, underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
Confirmation of any positive detection from screening utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this test targets the hair strand rather than the follicle itself.
In Dayton, VA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests boast a longer detection window, offering a comprehensive view of substance use, thereby making them a preferred choice in drug testing scenarios.
Hair follicle testing in Dayton, VA offers an extended detection window, tracing drug use for up to 90 days. This advantage provides employers with a detailed insight into an individual's substance history, enabling informed decision-making regarding potential hires or current employees.
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering in Dayton, VA. The tamper-resistant method ensures that the integrity of the sample is maintained, providing reliable and unquestionable results for all parties involved.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including in Dayton, VA, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. The widespread availability ensures that individuals can easily undertake testing at locations close to them.
In Dayton, VA, our hair follicle drug testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, we maintain privacy and ease of use, addressing all concerns related to customer confidentiality efficiently.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Dayton, VA, our hair follicle testing services present excellent value. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind with sustainable drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug tests in Dayton, VA are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests offer high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable results. The quick turnaround time adds to their appeal, making hair testing an ideal choice for time-sensitive needs.
In Dayton, VA, utilizing hair follicle testing supports employers in achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and fosters a safe work environment, offering peace of mind to employers.