Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to adulterate, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprised of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be sourced. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and fulfilling any additional data entry requirements absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dumbarton, VA
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing extends the detection of drugs over a longer period. This method offers superior reliability and is less likely to be tampered with, ensuring greater accuracy.
Employers and court systems trust hair follicle testing due to its extended timeline and detailed insights into substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Dumbarton, VA
Hair follicle testing offers a broader detection timeframe, observing drug usage up to 90 days past. This gives an expansive view of an individual's substance history.
This prolonged detection period assists employers in evaluating the long-term habits of applicants or current employees, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dumbarton, VA
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate tampering risks, boasting reliable and uncontestable outcomes. This makes it an ideal choice for ensuring integrity.
The method's inherent design reduces opportunities for adulteration, thus providing trustworthy data to employers, courts, and other parties.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dumbarton, VA
With a vast network of testing centers nationwide, including Dumbarton, we offer easy access to drug testing services, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
Our facilities provide quick and hassle-free testing for individuals and businesses alike, simplifying the logistics of drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dumbarton, VA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure ensures both simplicity and discretion, making it a preferred choice for many.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dumbarton, VA
Our competitive pricing structures combined with rapid turnaround times offer excellent value, suitable for businesses of all sizes.
These aspects provide peace of mind, ensuring that cost-effective and prompt results are consistently delivered.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dumbarton, VA
Hair follicle tests in Dumbarton provide rapid and precise results. Their high accuracy in substance detection ensures that individuals or employers receive dependable data.
Further, this testing method swiftly identifies the presence of drugs or alcohol, offering excellent reliability and swift feedback, crucial for timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dumbarton, VA
Implementing hair follicle testing bolsters adherence to drug-free work policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safer workplace.
This method reassures employers by establishing compliance with regulatory requirements and enhancing workplace security.
