Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive record of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window for alcohol and other drugs of up to roughly 3 months. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, supplementary tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. The specimen should ideally be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Scalp hair refers to head hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process entails confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, an affirmative screen must be validated to be acceptable in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for preparation for Extraction. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing process prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Galax, VA
Hair testing's enhanced reliability helps employers and courts enforce zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Galax, VA
This long window offers vital insights that are invaluable for understanding ongoing substance use trends.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Galax, VA
Hair testing's tamper-proof nature provides organizations with peace of mind in their testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Galax, VA
This widespread network ensures immediate access to reliable testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Galax, VA
The simple, clear protocol aids in securing trust in the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Galax, VA
Our approach balances cost efficiency with top-tier service to offer peace of mind to employers.
Fast and Reliable Results in Galax, VA
The renowned accuracy of hair tests helps ensure that result outcomes are dependable, aiding critical evaluations and judgments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Galax, VA
Employers can rest easy knowing that they are meeting compliance standards effectively through hair testing.
