Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 90-day detection window for alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for handling a drug test outcome comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into the laboratory system. This phase includes validating that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires validation for court admissibility. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive during Screening mandate secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are subject to washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to standard urine tests, hair follicle testing in Fieldale, VA, offers numerous advantages. The enhanced detection accuracy and longer monitoring period make it a superior choice. Hair testing minimizes false negatives and false positives, providing employers with a clearer, more reliable picture of an individual's drug use history, making it the preferred option in many scenarios.
In Fieldale, VA, hair follicle testing is known for its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over the last 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a person's substance history, offering a more thorough evaluation compared to other testing methods. This long-term insight into drug use is crucial for making informed decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Fieldale, VA, dramatically reduces the chances of sample adulteration. This method ensures that the results remain reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind for employers and legal entities who depend on accurate drug testing for compliance and operational decisions.
Fieldale, VA, and other nationwide locations offer the convenience of accessible hair follicle testing centers, making the process quick and hassle-free. No matter where you are, finding a testing center nearby ensures you receive prompt and efficient service, simplifying the testing process and ensuring immediate access when required.
The hair follicle testing process in Fieldale, VA, is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ordering, administering, and receiving results is a straightforward procedure, ensuring privacy and ease for all individuals involved. This transparent process addresses privacy concerns and streamlines the experience for everyone.
Our hair follicle drug testing in Fieldale, VA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround, providing exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. The affordability combined with quick result delivery ensures companies maintain efficiency without compromising on quality, ultimately leading to peace of mind regarding their drug testing needs.
Hair follicle drug tests in Fieldale, VA, provide fast and accurate results, a crucial factor for both employers and individuals. Their high precision in detecting substance use is unparalleled, ensuring confidence in the results. With the ability to quickly analyze samples, this method stands out as the go-to solution for anyone seeking reliable drug testing outcomes in a timely manner.
For employers in Fieldale, VA, using hair follicle testing promotes compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by identifying substance use over an extended period. This testing method provides peace of mind, ensuring the health and productivity of the workforce while meeting legal requirements.
