Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Gretna, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a longitudinal history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, it offers an approximate detection span of three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch segment, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both initial screening and further confirmation testing. For EtG, additional testing, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If no scalp hair is present, the same quantity of body hair can be used instead. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of drug test samples involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This phase includes checking that the sample was securely sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra information not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

The Screening phase is an initial rapid evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive screen result requires confirmation for it to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need secondary verification.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or saliva, rendering hair drug analysis as a particularly complex testing method.

Verification of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing step before confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use over the course of up to 90 days compared to urine tests, which have a much shorter detection period.
• Cheating is difficult: Cheating on a hair drug test is quite challenging, making the results reliable.
• Tracks usage history: It can reveal a pattern of substance use over time, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug traces in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Gretna, VA?
Hair tests offer far superior detection capabilities, uniquely identifying drug use patterns over an extended period.
Unlike urine tests that detect recent use, hair testing gives a broader view of a person's substance history, enhancing reliability.

This increased detection accuracy is beneficial for ensuring compliance with drug policies and provides a more comprehensive assessment, effectively supporting employers with zero-tolerance initiatives.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Gretna, VA, find hair follicle tests invaluable due to their extended detection window, documenting drug use over up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows for a detailed view of an individual's substance history, ensuring comprehensive analysis.
The longevity of detection surpasses regular urine tests, offering insights employers need for informed decision-making regarding applicants or employees.

With a lengthy window, hair follicle tests minimize the risk of missing critical drug use incidents, especially overnight abstainers, reinforcing informed hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Gretna, VA ensures the credibility of results.
Unlike other methods, hair testing is significantly less prone to sample adulteration, ensuring integrity and trustworthiness in results.

Employers and professionals can rely on these tests to deliver unassailable results, fortifying drug policy compliance and safeguarding against unauthorized sample manipulation.
This robustness builds trust in the testing process and the subsequent outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessibility to drug testing couldn't be simpler in Gretna, VA, thanks to our wide-reaching network of testing centers.
With numerous nationwide testing facilities, including local centers in Gretna, obtaining a hair follicle test has never been more convenient.

Our extensive presence ensures fast, easy access for individuals and employers.
The seamless availability of testing services leads to hassle-free experiences, ensuring testing schedules meet everyone's needs efficiently and without delay.

Simple, Confidential Process

Experience a straightforward and confidential hair follicle testing process in Gretna, VA.
The simplicity of ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results eases any privacy concerns, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all involved.

Rest assured that confidentiality is prioritized throughout the process.
Our streamlined approach ensures both privacy and ease of use, alleviating apprehension and reinforcing user trust in our efficient testing services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Gretna, VA, hair follicle testing provides generous value through our competitive pricing structures.
Supported by fast turnaround times, businesses of all sizes can enjoy cost-effective, efficient testing services.

Our commitment to affordability does not compromise quality.
Consistently quick results assure companies, allowing them to make timely decisions and maintain peace of mind without strained budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Gretna, VA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and precise results.
These tests offer quick turnaround times while maintaining an exceptional level of accuracy in identifying substance use. They provide peace of mind by ensuring reliable detection, minimizing the chances of false negatives or non-detections.

The precision of hair follicle tests stems from advanced testing methodologies employed, guaranteeing accurate substance identification.
This reliability is crucial for employers and professionals seeking dependable results to maintain a drug-free environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Gretna, VA, the implementation of hair follicle drug testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free mandates.
This testing method minimizes legal exposures while reinforcing safety standards, critical for maintaining a secure working environment.

Employers adopting hair follicle testing protocols experience enhanced peace of mind, knowing their testing practices contribute to a substance-free workplace.
These practices further assure stakeholders and employees alike, reinforcing organizational integrity and trust.

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