Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair serves as a prolonged archive for alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When samples are taken from near the scalp, they can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it strictly refers to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system, which includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any further data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples indicating a positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Upon finding a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a smaller concentration level compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is particularly complex.
All positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Edinburg, VA offers superior benefits over traditional urine testing. The enhanced detection accuracy and reliability make it a more trusted choice for identifying substance use.
Compared to urine testing, hair follicle tests deliver greater detection accuracy, making them a much more robust and reliable method for identifying substance use history.
In Edinburg, VA, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough view of an individual's substance usage history.
The ability of hair follicle tests to detect drug use over a lengthy period provides a comprehensive assessment, ensuring reliable insights into substance use behavior.
Hair follicle tests in Edinburg, VA, drastically reduce the chance of sample adulteration, delivering ironclad and trusted results that stand up to scrutiny.
The nature of hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the risk of tampering, providing confidence in the integrity and reliability of the results obtained.
With convenient nationwide centers and easy access in Edinburg, VA, drug testing is hassle-free. Our widespread locations assure quick and straightforward testing.
The broad network of testing centers, including those in Edinburg, VA, ensures accessibility, allowing for efficient and seamless testing experiences.
In Edinburg, VA, our drug testing process marries simplicity with confidentiality. From ordering to results, the emphasis remains on privacy and effortless access to information.
The seamless and confidential pathway for conducting hair tests guarantees a stress-free experience while prioritizing personal privacy and ease.
Offering competitive pricing and swift results, our services in Edinburg, VA cater to companies of all sizes, providing excellent value and peace of mind.
Our competitive pricing and fast result turnaround make our hair testing services in Edinburg, VA invaluable for businesses seeking cost-effective and efficient solutions.
The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, especially in Edinburg, VA. With high accuracy, these tests deliver reliable insights into substance use, ensuring quick and effective results.
Hair testing offers not only rapid results but also unparalleled accuracy. It ensures a comprehensive assessment of drug use, making it a preferred choice for precise screenings.
Employers in Edinburg, VA can achieve peace of mind by using hair follicle testing to adhere to workplace drug-free policies. This reduces legal risks and promotes a safe working environment.
Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace standards, hair follicle testing is an employer's ally in reducing legal exposure and fostering a secure workplace.
