Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is taken from near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is easy, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in 100mg, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is suggested. Should scalp hair not be available, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair. "Body hair" denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen in a lab’s framework. It encompasses ensuring the sample's proper sealing and dispatch, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening is an initial expedited review for potential drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug intake on most specimens, a positive outcome needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further verification.
For samples with a tentative positive in Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower levels than in other testing methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the toughest method to execute.
Any positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Franconia, VA
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Its longer detection window allows for a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, making it the preferred choice for employers and legal authorities in Franconia, VA.
While urine tests only capture recent drug use, hair tests provide insights that extend over months, offering reliable evidence that urine tests simply can't match. This makes them nearly impossible to falsify, ensuring integrity and trustworthiness in the testing procedure.
Extended Detection Window in Franconia, VA
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of a person’s substance use history, crucial for informed decision-making in Franconia, VA.
The extended window means that even infrequent or past users can be identified, ensuring a thorough understanding of an individual's drug-related behavior. This capability offers a significant advantage over tests with shorter detection windows, such as urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Franconia, VA
Hair follicle testing provides a highly secure method of drug testing, significantly reducing the opportunity for sample tampering. The difficulty in altering or substituting a hair sample ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy, maintaining the integrity of the process in Franconia, VA.
This tamper-resistant nature is a critical factor for employers and legal entities seeking foolproof methods that minimize risk and uphold stringent standards of evidence.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Franconia, VA
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers provides ease of access, making it simple to undergo testing anywhere, including Franconia, VA. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and businesses can quickly and conveniently get tested without hassle.
The local presence of our centers means that you can have confidence in reliable services, with the convenience of nearby locations that facilitate easy and prompt testing, meeting the needs of all clients efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Franconia, VA
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and respectful of privacy, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results. This simplicity ensures that individuals can undergo testing without concerns about confidentiality, making it a favorable option for all.
By maintaining confidentiality and ease of use, we assure clients of the security and discretion of their information, crucial especially in sensitive scenarios, thus promoting trust in Franconia, VA.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Franconia, VA
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with swift turnaround times, ensuring that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value and peace of mind. This affordability, paired with quick results, makes hair follicle testing an accessible choice for many.
Our commitment to delivering value without compromising quality ensures that our clients in Franconia, VA benefit from reliable results at a reasonable cost, fostering both trust and repeat patronage.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Franconia, VA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed, setting the standard for accurate substance detection. With quick turnaround times, they provide results that can be trusted, enhancing confidence in the testing process. This efficiency makes them an ideal choice for those needing fast and reliable results in Franconia, VA.
The high accuracy of hair testing means that even minimal traces of drug use in the recent past are detected reliably, creating a safer and more informed community. Given their reliability, these tests are especially useful for employers and legal professionals who require precise evaluations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Franconia, VA
Using hair follicle testing helps ensure that employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and improving safety in the workplace. This method offers peace of mind by providing reliable and enduring results, which are necessary for maintaining compliance and security.
By implementing these tests, employers can feel confident that they are not only following legal regulations but are also fostering a healthier, more productive work environment, crucial in Franconia, VA.
