Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by incorporating biomarkers into the strands as they grow. When trimmed near the scalp, hair can indicate substance presence for up to roughly a 90-day timeframe. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in laboratory processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This phase involves ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening pertains to an initial cursory examination for illicit drug presence. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen mandates validation for court admissibility. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary affirmation.
When a sample registers presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most complex method to execute.
Affirmation of any positive screening outcome is pursued through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Constraints:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Fairfield, VA, hair follicle tests are considered superior for their precision over more conventional urine tests. The key advantage lies in the extended detection period that hair testing provides, capturing a longer history of substance use. This makes them particularly beneficial in settings with stringent no-drug policies.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle analysis offers a comprehensive insight due to its extended detection capabilities. This enhances the efficacy and reliability of drug screening, making it the preferred choice for many employers.
Hair follicle analysis in Fairfield, VA, provides an extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. Employers benefit from this prolonged period as it offers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance habits, far surpassing typical urine tests.
This extended timeframe is essential for employers who value detailed insight into potential employees’ substance use history, giving them a more informed basis for making hiring or retention decisions.
In Fairfield, VA, hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the chance of sample tampering, offering reliable and indefensible results. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are resistant to adulteration due to the nature of the sample collected.
The robust method of hair testing ensures that results are trustworthy, providing employers with a testing option that stands up to scrutiny while delivering consistent results.
With testing locations nationwide, including Fairfield, VA, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and convenient. Our extensive network ensures that individuals can easily find local testing facilities, making the process quick and hassle-free.
This widespread presence simplifies the testing process, providing an extensive reach while ensuring that Fairfield residents receive efficient and effortless testing services.
Hair follicle testing in Fairfield, VA, offers a simplistic and confidential process, from ordering to obtaining results. The process is streamlined to ensure user convenience while preserving privacy, addressing common concerns about test confidentiality.
By maintaining a discreet and straightforward testing mechanism, our services in Fairfield assure clients of a stress-free experience with minimal intrusion on privacy.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle tests in Fairfield, VA, offer excellent value for companies. These factors combine to present a cost-effective solution, ensuring employers of all sizes can access superior drug testing without financial strain.
The affordability of hair testing, together with rapid results delivery, makes it an attractive option for enterprises looking to implement effective screening measures.
The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug testing in Fairfield, VA, stand out for their speed and accuracy. These tests are not only able to swiftly identify the presence of substances but also provide highly reliable results, making them an invaluable tool for employers seeking trustworthy testing measures.
By delivering quick and accurate results, hair tests grant employers in Fairfield the ability to make informed decisions rapidly. The confidence in test outcomes is enhanced by the rigorous methods used, guaranteeing truthful insights into substance usage.
Employers in Fairfield, VA, gain peace of mind by employing hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities. This testing approach bolsters workplace safety and adheres to compliance standards, ensuring a secure work environment.
By using hair follicle tests, companies can maintain strict adherence to their drug-free policies, reducing risks and enhancing the safety of their workplace effectively.