Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. It retains biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, offering a prolonged account of substance usage. When taken from near the scalp, hair can relay up to a 3-month detection window for substances. It's easy to gather, challenging to taint, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, and/or beyond 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't an option, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where the sample is entered into the laboratory system. This step includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective and can rule out drug use in most cases, any positive result from Screening needs confirmation to be valid in legal scenarios. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening need a second verification.
When a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are pulled from hair at far lower concentrations than with other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of positive results from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed to be positive get the required washing before confirmation. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Duffield, VA Hair follicle testing offers a superior alternative, boasting unmatched detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Its extended detection period and resistance to tampering make it a preferred choice, allowing for comprehensive assessments of long-term substance use history. Employers benefit from improved insights into applicant and employee drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Duffield, VA With the ability to identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. This extensive window offers invaluable insights into potential patterns of use and helps organizations make informed decisions about hiring and employee management strategies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Duffield, VA One of the significant advantages of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. These tests substantially reduce the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are reliable and indisputable. This methodology offers a confidence level that is crucial in legal settings and for maintaining workplace safety standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Duffield, VA Accredited Drug Testing's broad network of testing centers offers convenient and efficient access to drug testing services. With local and nationwide locations, individuals and companies can quickly and smoothly fulfill their testing requirements, minimizing delays and disruptions, and facilitating compliance with testing mandates.
Simple, Confidential Process in Duffield, VA The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward and discreet. Ensuring privacy and ease of use, clients can trust that their information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and care, enhancing their overall experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Duffield, VA Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround for hair follicle tests, ensuring excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our efficient service, enabling them to maintain focus on core operations while confidently managing their drug testing programs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Duffield, VA Hair follicle drug tests deliver precise and rapid outcomes, known for their high accuracy in detecting substances. This method ensures quick and confident decision-making, crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance. The efficiency and reliability of these tests make them invaluable for situations demanding timely and accurate results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Duffield, VA Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns businesses with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. The reliable outcomes foster a sense of security and trust among employers, ensuring they adhere to regulatory standards while promoting a drug-free environment.
