Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now acknowledged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. This method of collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing around 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield approximately 100mg, which is ideal for testing and validation. For EtG, extra tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By scalp hair, we mean head hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage in most samples, positives require confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples flagged as positive in Screening undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the hardest methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before the confirmation step if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gladys, VA.
In Gladys, VA, hair follicle testing provides significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests surpasses that of urine tests, offering a detailed view of past substance use. Employers benefit from these insights, making hair follicle testing a superior choice for enforcing drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Gladys, VA.
Hair follicle tests stand out with their extensive detection timeframe, tracing drug use over a 90-day period. This broad window offers employers a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use history, equipping them with the information needed to ensure a safe workplace environment in Gladys, VA.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gladys, VA.
The hair follicle testing method in Gladys significantly curtails sample tampering risks, guaranteeing dependable and unquestionable results. This method offers secure and refuse-proof testing, providing confidence in maintaining a strictly monitored and compliant workplace environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gladys, VA.
Accredited Drug Testing centers offer convenient and hassle-free access throughout the nation, including Gladys, VA. Our extensive network ensures you have quick and easy access to our testing services, meeting your needs at numerous locations for efficient and effective drug testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gladys, VA.
The process of hair follicle testing in Gladys is both simple and confidential, designed to promote ease and privacy. From scheduling a test to obtaining results, each step is streamlined to ensure your privacy is respected and protected, making the entire experience comfortable and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gladys, VA.
Offering competitive rates and swift result delivery, hair follicle testing services in Gladys, VA, provide value for businesses of all sizes. Assured with cost-effective solutions and quick processing times, you gain peace of mind knowing you are equipped with the best resources for drug testing.
Fast, Accurate and Reliable Results in Gladys, VA.
Hair follicle drug tests in Gladys, VA, are renowned for their speed and precision. This testing method offers reliable substance detection, ensuring high accuracy for personal and professional assessments. By choosing hair follicle testing, you gain quick access to crucial information, enabling informed decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gladys, VA.
Hair follicle testing in Gladys, VA, assists employers in complying with workplace drug-free policies. This method lowers legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, giving employers assurance and peace of mind concerning their workforce's compliance with substance regulations.
