Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Grundy, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by securing biomarkers within its developing fibers. Hair collected near the scalp may reveal a detection timeline for alcohol and drugs extending up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and hassle-free to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) taken nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding ten panels, it is advisable to provide 150mg of the specimen. It's suggested to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The path of processing a drug test in the laboratory encompasses four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial sample processing step managed within a laboratory’s system. This stage checks that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills additional data entry requirements not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary, swift assessment for substance abuse. While it is an economical method to exclude drug usage from most samples, positive results in Screening require confirmation for legal admissibility. Therefore, samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further verification.

Following a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, extra hair from the original sample is extracted for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at concentrations significantly less than those used in other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, contributing to hair drug screening’s complexity as a testing methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair testing evidences drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike the shorter windows of urine testing.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, thus ensuring result accuracy.
• Historical tracking: It showcases a pattern of drug consumption over an extended period, rather than only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Recent usage detection: Drugs become apparent in hair within roughly 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses are typically costlier than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Influences like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Grundy, VA stands as a place where hair follicle testing shines for drug detection, surpassing urine tests in several aspects.

• Hair tests offer a wider detection window, checking drug use over months.
• They provide greater accuracy and are difficult to tamper with.
• Employers benefit through stringent, reliable drug screening processes.

Extended Detection Window

In Grundy, VA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, essential for robust substance use analysis.

• This broader window captures a longer history of drug use.
• Employers gain insight into applicants’ and employees’ past behaviors.
• This method surpasses urine tests, offering comprehensive substance profiles.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

For those in Grundy, VA seeking tamper-resistant testing, hair follicle tests provide unparalleled security.

• The method nearly eliminates the chances of sample adulteration.
• Secure collection processes discourage attempts to manipulate results.
• Results are reliable, providing confidence in employee substance screenings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Grundy, VA benefits from our convenient nationwide testing locations, ensuring accessible drug testing services.

• Our extensive network covers all areas, providing hassle-free access.
• Local centers ensure quick and straightforward procedures for all.
• This convenience supports efficient, effective workplace testing policies.

Simple, Confidential Process

Experience a simple, confidential process in Grundy, VA for drug testing.

• Ordering, collection, and result acquisition remain straightforward and discreet.
• Privacy concerns are minimal, ensuring peace of mind.
• The process is streamlined to accommodate client needs comprehensively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Grundy, VA, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests.

• Our competitive pricing benefits businesses of all sizes.
• Rapid processing ensures quick access to results and decisions.
• Clients receive great value coupled with efficient testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Grundy, VA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results, crucial for timely decision-making.

• The precision of these tests means fewer false positives or negatives, providing reliable data.
• Quick processing times ensure results are delivered promptly, aiding in fast resolutions.
• This speed and accuracy combined enhance the efficacy of workplace policies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Grundy, VA, hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, granting employers peace of mind.

• This testing reduces legal risks associated with non-compliance.
• It enhances safety by maintaining a drug-free work environment.
• Employers benefit from consistent, reliable drug assessment methods.

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