Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended timeline of substance usage. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to roughly three months. It's easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (approximately equal to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp yields 100mg—the optimal amount for initial and confirmatory testing. For enhanced panels or EtG tests, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh samples using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Only scalp hair is considered as head hair. All other types (like facial or axillary) are categorized as body hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages for processing a drug screen in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, incorporating a sample into the lab’s system. This phase checks the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry that an electronic custody chain might miss.
Screening provides an initial, cost-effective assessment for drug presence. While it efficiently rules out use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for any legal matters. Those screening positive initially must undergo a secondary verification.
Should a sample screen positively, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are isolated at a considerably lower concentration than in alternative methods (like urine or oral swabs), highlighting why hair drug testing is a complex practice.
Positive findings in screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo cleaning before final confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is on the strand, not the follicle below the scalp
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Great Falls, VA, presents numerous advantages.
It offers enhanced detection accuracy, offering insight into substance use over an extended period. While urine tests fall short of this extended detection window,
hair tests capture a more comprehensive view of drug use, making them ideal in scenarios where accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable.
Hair follicle testing in Great Falls, VA offers an unrivaled detection window, spanning up to 90 days, granting a broad view of an individual's substance use.
This extended detection range furnishes employers with a valuable tool for accurately assessing potential candidates or current employees.
Its ability to capture a broad scope of information makes it a valuable asset in the workplace monitoring toolkit.
Hair follicle tests administered in Great Falls, VA are renowned for their tamper-resistant methodology.
Ensuring minimal risk of sample tampering, these tests deliver results that carry the weight of reliability and unquestionability.
Compared to other methods, the hair test provides assurance, removing doubts about potential discrepancies in results.
With conveniently located testing centers in Great Falls, VA, and nationwide, obtaining a hair follicle test has never been easier.
The accessibility of centers ensures seamless and efficient testing procedures for all individuals.
Our extensive network guarantees hassle-free access to testing services whenever and wherever needed.
The hair follicle testing process in Great Falls, VA is designed for simplicity and confidentiality.
From ordering to testing, to receiving results, each step prioritizes user privacy and ease of use.
This method addresses all privacy concerns, ensuring users experience a straightforward and discreet process.
Boasting competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Great Falls, VA offers an incredible value proposition.
The service ensures affordability for businesses of all sizes, without compromising on speed or accuracy.
The quick processing of results makes this an attractive option for companies seeking quality and efficiency.
The lightning-fast precision and unwavering reliability of hair follicle tests in Great Falls, VA, set them apart. These tests ensure high accuracy in detecting substance use, reflecting the superior technology employed.
Expert laboratories manage each test, ensuring accuracy in findings.
Results from hair follicle tests showcase definitive detection of any substance use, providing peace of mind for all stakeholders.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Great Falls, VA as part of a drug-free workplace policy offers peace of mind for employers.
This testing method ensures compliance with regulations, minimizes legal risks, and enhances overall workplace safety.
By adopting these tested measures, companies can foster an environment founded on safety and trust.
