Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, it offers approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, comparatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample with around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyzes, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a small scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result processing involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in processing a sample within a lab’s framework. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary evaluation to spot drugs of abuse. While Screening effectively determines drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that yield presumptive positives during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the main specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of any screening positive is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation in addition to ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing often outpaces traditional urine tests in Gladstone, VA, providing superior detection capabilities and reliability. While urine tests are effective for short-term detection, hair tests offer extended insights, revealing substance use months back. Thus, hair testing offers a continuation of diligence where urine exams conclude.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a standout feature in Gladstone, VA. Unlike other methods, it provides an overview of substance consumption over an extensive period of up to 90 days. This prolonged detection aids employers by supplying an in-depth view, assisting in making informed decisions about potential and current employees.
In Gladstone, VA, hair follicle tests offer a robust, tamper-resistant method of testing. They significantly diminish the possibility of sample adulteration, safeguarding the authenticity of results. This assurance of reliability solidifies these tests as the preferred choice for ensuring genuine outcomes in substance use analysis.
With testing centers not only nationwide but also locally, access to services in Gladstone, VA is both quick and hassle-free. Testing sites are conveniently placed to provide easy access for all seeking thorough drug testing services, making the process seamless and efficient for employers and individuals alike.
The hair follicle testing process in Gladstone, VA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, it caters to privacy and ease of use. Participants can trust in a smooth procedure that prioritizes confidentiality, ensuring peace of mind at every step.
In Gladstone, VA, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer excellent value. Companies of varying sizes can benefit from affordable options without compromising on the quality or speed of results. This ensures peace of mind as businesses manage staffing while adhering to drug-free policies.
In Gladstone, VA, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are paramount. Positioned as a leading method, these tests deliver highly accurate detection of substance use, facilitating faster and more reliable results. The process ensures that decisions related to drug policies are data-driven and trustworthy.
Employers in Gladstone, VA can find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing these tests reduces legal risks while enhancing overall safety. They play a crucial role in maintaining secure, reliable work environments through consistent and accurate substance surveillance.
