Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. By trapping biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair, it offers a prolonged history of substance use. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other illicit substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, with hair being somewhat resistant to tampering and easy to transport.
A hair sample from approximately 200 strands, or a 1.5-inch section (about the diameter of a #2 pencil), is optimal, providing 100mg of hair for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional components, or tests covering more than 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, equivalent body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial intake of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample’s proper seal and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any further data entry absent from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective way to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally valid. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening stage, further hair is taken from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at much reduced concentrations compared to alternatives like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When considering why hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Falmouth, VA, the advantages become evident. Hair tests offer a broader detection window, identifying drug use over months, unlike the limited scope of urine tests.
Accuracy is a cornerstone of hair follicle testing. This method reduces the chances of false negatives or positives that sometimes accompany urine tests, ensuring more trustworthy results in identifying drug history.
Reliability also sets hair testing apart, as the results are less susceptible to tampering. This means the outcomes cannot be easily altered, providing an extra layer of assurance for employers in Falmouth, VA.
In Falmouth, VA, hair follicle testing is known for offering an extended detection window, up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with essential insights into an employee's or applicant’s drug use over longer periods.
This extended window allows for a comprehensive view of a person’s substance use history. It is particularly beneficial for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace environment, evaluating long-term habits rather than short-term incidents.
Hair testing gives a thorough background, unlike other methods offering only a short-sighted snapshot. This extended detection is crucial for sustained drug-free policy enforcement, offering peace of mind and consistent monitoring.
Hair follicle tests in Falmouth, VA, offer a tamper-resistant testing method that significantly reduces risks of sample adulteration. This ensures the results are both reliable and strong in resisting any attempts at manipulation.
The inherent design of hair follicle testing makes tampering nearly impossible. This is due to the nature of the testing process, which involves observing the collection and using the sample before any alteration can occur.
This secure nature of hair follicle testing provides peace of mind for employers, ensuring an indisputable drug testing result, enhancing trust and enforceability in any policy framework within Falmouth, VA.
Convenience is key for drug testing services in Falmouth, VA. With nationwide centers for hair follicle testing, accessing services is quick and hassle-free. Our centers are strategically placed to ensure easy accessibility for all clients.
These local options allow individuals and companies to conduct tests without lengthy commutes, adding to the accessibility factor. It fosters a streamlined process where clients can get tests completed at their convenience.
The network of centers ensures testing is available in many locations, reducing wait times and facilitating efficient processing. This availability makes testing a straightforward part of maintaining workplace policies.
The process of hair follicle testing in Falmouth, VA, is both simple and confidential. Ordering a test is straightforward, and the actual takings, as well as receiving results, are done with utmost privacy concerns in mind.
Ensuring confidentiality at every stage of testing reassures clients that their information and results are handled with discretion. This transparency leads to trust and a greater willingness to participate in necessary testing.
The ease of using our services, from placement to results, highlights our commitment to client satisfaction. This seamless experience is designed to alleviate any concerns about privacy and operational efficiency.
In Falmouth, VA, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround, ensuring great value for companies of every size. Pricing structures are competitive, designed to accommodate varying budgets.
Fast turnaround times mean that clients aren't left waiting indefinitely for results. This efficiency bolsters confidence in the testing process, as results are delivered with speed and accuracy.
Providing both value and swift services, our company guarantees that all clients receive top-tier testing without the premium costs typically associated with high-performance testing activities.
In Falmouth, VA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method is known for its high precision in identifying substance use, giving employers and individuals a trustworthy outcome every time the test is conducted.
The speed with which hair follicle tests deliver results adds to their appeal, ensuring no prolonged wait times. This efficiency is paired with accuracy, contributing to efficient decision-making in substance management policies.
Clients rely on the reliability of hair follicle testing for their drug screening needs. The method's superior precision means that results can be trusted, which is crucial for maintaining integrity in various environments, from workplaces to legal inquiries.
In Falmouth, VA, hair follicle testing provides peace of mind and compliance for employers by reliably supporting drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and places safety at the forefront of office environments.
Employers gain confidence knowing their drug testing process aligns with stringent standards. Adopting these tests can diminish liabilities and support a culture of safety and health in the workplace.
The comprehensive nature of hair testing creates a compliance framework that reassures employers, ensuring they meet all regulations and maintain a safe, productive workplace without compromising on daily operations.
