Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Falls Church, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. Collected from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, alteration is challenging, and shipping is convenient.

A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (resembles the size of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), plus completing any additional documentation not covered by an electronic chain of custody platform.

Screening entails an initial fast check for harmful substances. While Screening economically rules out drug usage in the majority of samples, a confirmation is necessary for any court-admissible positive screen. Presumptive positive samples from Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.

Should a specimen be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to conduct.

Confirmation of positive screening findings is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Challenging to evade: Hair drug tests are difficult to cheat, thus ensuring more accurate results.
• Provides a usage timeline: Offers a chronology of drug use over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent usage: Drugs only become traceable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the presence of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Falls Church, VA

Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Falls Church, VA, offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may detect recent drug use, hair tests can uncover a longer history of substance consumption, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual’s behavior.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Falls Church, VA

The ability of hair follicle tests to detect drug use up to 90 days prior in Falls Church, VA, offers employers a wider lens into an individual's substance history. This extensive detection window is crucial for informed decision-making, particularly in workplaces intent on maintaining a drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Falls Church, VA

Hair follicle tests in Falls Church, VA, are exceptionally resistant to tampering, ensuring the integrity of the sample. This robustness significantly reduces the likelihood of altered results, delivering trustworthy outcomes that stand up to scrutiny.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Falls Church, VA

With testing centers spread nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that residents of Falls Church, VA, have access to convenient and hassle-free testing options. Our local presence guarantees quick and easy access to vital testing services, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Falls Church, VA

Accredited Drug Testing maintains a straightforward and private process in Falls Church, VA, for ordering, conducting, and receiving results. Addressing privacy concerns, our procedures uphold confidentiality and ease of use, ensuring a stress-free experience for all.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Falls Church, VA

Our competitive pricing strategies in Falls Church, VA, coupled with quick turnaround times, provide exceptional value. Catering to businesses of all sizes, Accredited Drug Testing ensures affordability without compromising on the quality and speed of test results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Falls Church, VA

Hair follicle drug tests in Falls Church, VA, offer unparalleled precision and swiftness in detecting substances. These tests are engineered for high reliability, ensuring that substance use is identified with exceptional accuracy. The quick turnaround times for results make hair testing an efficient choice for timely decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Falls Church, VA

Employers in Falls Church, VA, can achieve greater compliance with workplace drug policies by employing hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks while promoting a safer, healthier work environment. Peace of mind is a natural result when embracing reliable testing measures.

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