Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are increasingly regarded as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures enduring records of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection span extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch snippet comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not an option, the same amount of body hair can be gathered. Mention of head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core procedures in lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any further data input absent in an electronic chain of custody arrangement.
The Screening stage is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While it's a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screening must be authenticated for court acceptance. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening results leverages GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positives undergo cleansing before confirmation if needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", this examination analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Fork Union, VA, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior option compared to traditional urine tests. Its advanced detection capabilities and increased reliability make it the preferred choice for discerning employers and testing agencies, showcasing its superior performance.
With an extended detection window reaching up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Fork Union, VA, provides employers with an extensive view of an individual's substance use history. This long-range detection aids in making informed decisions about potential employees or compliance checks.
Hair follicle testing in Fork Union, VA, is renowned for its tamper-resistant methodology. The robust collection and analysis process deters sample manipulation, ensuring that results are both reliable and unquestionable.
Fork Union, VA, benefits from the vast network of nationwide testing locations provided by Accredited Drug Testing. This extensive reach ensures fast and simple access to testing services, maintaining convenience and efficiency for all involved.
In Fork Union, VA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures a streamlined and confidential process, from ordering to the delivery of test results. Discussing privacy concerns and usability, this approach reassures users with a straightforward and discreet experience.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Fork Union, VA. Our services deliver great value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective and efficient drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug tests in Fork Union, VA, offer rapid, precise, and dependable outcomes. With advanced technologies, these tests ensure quick and accurate detection of substances, making them a reliable choice for employers and individuals seeking certainty in testing results.
Employers in Fork Union, VA, gain peace of mind and compliance assurance through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace initiatives, lowering legal exposure and improving overall workplace safety and reliability.
