Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a long-term profile of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol activity for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for precision. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, this denotes scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory's system. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for prohibited drugs. Although Screening is an efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, positively screened samples require further confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with potential positive results in Screening are subject to additional verification.
Should a sample show a potential positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drug compounds are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the challenge of performing hair drug screening.
Confirming a positive Screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Before Confirmation, all samples suspected to be positive are thoroughly cleansed. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Gate City, VA, the advantages of hair follicle tests over urine tests are clear. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing a history of drug use over months. This makes them a reliable choice, compared to the traditional urine tests which offer a limited detection period. Hair tests, therefore, offer enhanced reliability for organizations upholding strict substance policies.
Gate City, VA, benefits from the extensive detection capability of hair follicle tests. This method traces drug use up to 90 days, offering a detailed review of an individual's substance history. Employers looking to ensure a drug-free workplace find this beneficial, as the prolonged detection window provides a comprehensive understanding of an employee or candidate's drug history.
The hair follicle drug testing method in Gate City, VA, offers a significant advantage with its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, it minimizes the risks of sample adulteration, delivering consistent and trustworthy results. This reliability ensures confidence in test outcomes, crucial for upholding integrity in drug screening processes.
Hair follicle testing in Gate City, VA, is made convenient with numerous testing locations nationwide. This network facilitates a hassle-free and accessible testing process for individuals and employers alike. Enjoy seamless access to quality testing services with strategically located facilities across the nation.
Gate City, VA, offers a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is designed for ease and privacy. Clients can trust in a secure system that respects confidentiality while providing accurate outcomes promptly and efficiently.
In Gate City, VA, hair follicle testing combines affordability with fast turnaround times. Enjoy competitive pricing structures that deliver value without compromising speed or accuracy. This ensures businesses, regardless of size, benefit from excellent service that upholds quality and efficiency.
In Gate City, VA, hair follicle testing stands out for its swiftness and precision. This method provides superior accuracy, establishing itself as a dependable choice for detecting substance use. The process is both timely and reliable, ensuring that clients receive the most consistent results possible. Trust in the precision of hair follicle tests for fast and accurate drug detection.
Employers in Gate City, VA, gain peace of mind with compliance through hair follicle drug testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and contributing to a safer workplace. By choosing hair testing, businesses ensure they align with regulations while maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
