Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair contains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When cut near the scalp, it offers approximately a 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We propose using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab system initially. This includes confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a quick preliminary drug check. Although Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample that tests positive initially in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations far lower than those in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive from Screening is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the actual procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing against urine testing in Deerfield, VA, the former offers distinct advantages. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy and are regarded for their reliability in providing definitive results. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a more extensive detection window, making it the preferred method for many organizations and professionals.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage in Deerfield, VA. Unlike other methods, hair tests can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, allowing for better and more informed recruitment and retention decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests greatly minimizes the risk of sample manipulation in Deerfield, VA. The reliability and integrity of the results are preserved, offering assurance and dependable outcomes to employers and judicial systems alike. This level of security makes hair follicle testing a trusted method for evaluating substance use.
Our testing services in Deerfield, VA are made more convenient with nationwide locations, ensuring everyone has easy and hassle-free access to drug testing. The extensive network of centers guarantees that testing is quick and accessible, reinforcing the efficiency and reach of our services.
In Deerfield, VA, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is prioritized to ease concerns and enhance usability. This ensures participants can complete the testing process smoothly without compromising their confidentiality.
Our drug testing services in Deerfield, VA are characterized by competitive pricing and rapid result delivery. These features ensure companies, regardless of size, receive outstanding value and service. The affordable nature coupled with fast turnaround times makes our testing solutions ideal for various business needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Deerfield, VA deliver rapid, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. These tests are known for their speed and high level of accuracy in detecting substance usage. Compared to other methods, hair testing provides a more thorough analysis and aims to deliver precise results quickly, aiding in making informed decisions promptly.
Employers in Deerfield, VA benefit from hair follicle testing as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety at the workplace. By implementing hair testing protocols, employers can have greater peace of mind knowing they are upholding a secure and compliant work environment.
