Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers as it grows, hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use with a detection timeframe of almost three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For extended tests such as EtG, add-ons, and panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Checking the specimen weight on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab procedures for processing a drug test entail four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the outset of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This phase encompasses verifying the correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplementing any missing information not provided by an electronic custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use across most samples, a court-admissible positive screen must undergo confirmation. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this step, drug extraction from hair occurs at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
For any positive findings from Screening, Confirmation is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples showing presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Dranesville, VA, hair follicle testing triumphs over traditional urine tests, offering greater detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair tests capture a longer history of drug use, often identifying substances overlooked by other methods. Hair tests provide a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use over the past 90 days.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Dranesville, VA, allows employers to assess an individual's substance use history up to 90 days. This longer timeframe provides a more thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's habits, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employers can make informed decisions based on a comprehensive view of substance history.
In Dranesville, VA, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. The integrity and credibility of results are assured, providing employers with dependable outcomes. Hair tests are extensively trusted for their robustness against tampering, making them a vital component in drug testing protocols.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Dranesville, VA, accessibility to hair follicle testing has never been easier. Our network ensures quick and hassle-free availability of services for individuals and businesses alike. No matter where you are, accessing reliable testing facilities is straightforward and efficient.
In Dranesville, VA, the process for ordering, completing, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is simple and confidential. Clients benefit from a straightforward procedure that respects privacy while ensuring ease of use. Our commitment focuses on providing a seamless experience that prioritizes the client's need for discretion and efficiency.
Dranesville, VA, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing, making it a valuable option for companies of all sizes. The competitive pricing structures, paired with prompt result delivery, provide companies with both excellent value and peace of mind, without compromising the quality and reliability of testing services.
Hair follicle drug testing in Dranesville, VA, offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. Its precision in identifying substance use sets it apart. The method efficiently presents results, minimizing waiting time for both employers and individuals. Hair testing's advanced technology ensures its status as a trusted choice for detecting drug use.
For employers in Dranesville, VA, hair follicle testing promotes compliance and offers peace of mind. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, legal risks are minimized, and workplace safety is enhanced. Employers can confidently ensure they've implemented robust measures to maintain a drug-free environment, safeguarding the workforce and business interests.
