Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Emporia, VA

What it is, How it works

The perception of hair testing as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption has grown. Hair allows for a prolonged overview of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its evolving fibers. When hair is harvested near the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month timeline for drug and alcohol presence. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

For optimal analysis and verification, a 1.5-inch segment comprised of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp can yield 100mg, which is deemed ideal. However, for EtG, additional substances, or tests exceeding ten panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a precision jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar amount of body hair can be used. All references to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially logged into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and delivered, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputs any additional data not covered by an electronic custody chain.

Screening performs an initial, rapid assessment for drug presence. As a cost-efficient method, it can often rule out substance use in most samples; however, to be legally valid, a positive Screen requires confirmation. Any samples indicated as positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation test.

If Screening suggests a positive, more hair from the initial sample is set aside for Extraction. In this step, drug compounds are extracted from the hair at a dramatically reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analyses.

For Confirmation, any suspect positive outcomes are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples testing positive are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire flow from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter time frame.
• Difficulty in falsifying: Hair tests are challenging to deceive, leading to more precise outcomes.
• Track record data: It highlights drug use patterns over time, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair in about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug screenings usually cost more than other testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite often being named "hair follicle tests," the evaluation targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Emporia, VA

Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Emporia, VA can dramatically improve the accuracy and reliability of drug detection. Hair testing offers a broader detection scope, ensuring superior insight into an individual's substance usage history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Emporia, VA

Hair follicle testing in Emporia, VA provides an extended detection window, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history. This long-term view offers employers a deeper understanding of an employee's substance use, aiding in making informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Emporia, VA

Hair follicle tests in Emporia, VA provide a highly tamper-resistant option for drug screening. This method significantly decreases the likelihood of sample manipulation, ensuring results that are both reliable and authoritative.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Emporia, VA

Our testing centers span nationwide, including Emporia, VA, offering convenience and accessibility for hair follicle drug testing. This extensive network ensures effortless access to testing services for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Emporia, VA

In Emporia, VA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. From test order to result receipt, the streamlined procedure enhances user experience and confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Emporia, VA

The hair follicle testing services in Emporia, VA are not only competitively priced but also offer rapid result turnaround, delivering value and reliability for businesses of all sizes seeking comprehensive drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Emporia, VA

Hair follicle testing is renowned for its speed, accuracy, and reliability in Emporia, VA. This method excels in detecting substance use with high precision, reassuring those concerned with the credibility of their drug testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Emporia, VA

Employers in Emporia, VA benefit from enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies by using hair follicle testing. This commitment reduces legal liabilities and bolsters overall workplace safety standards.

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