Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has grown as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a potential three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, perfect for both screening and confirmation. For testing EtG, along with additional or expanded tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is suggested. The sample's weight should ideally be measured with a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" denotes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing the sample into a laboratory system. It involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any unfinished data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for the presence of drugs. While Screening is an economical way to clear out most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for it to be legally valid. Any samples that preliminarily test positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
When screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the sample to prepare for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most challenging type to conduct.
Confirmation for any presumptive positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive in screening are washed as necessary before confirmation. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly named "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hampden Sydney, VA
Hair testing provides unparalleled detection accuracy over more traditional urine tests. With hair follicle testing, substances remain detectable for up to 90 days, offering a broad overview of substance use, unlike the shorter detection window of urine tests. The reliability of hair testing ensures that employers make informed decisions about their workforce, mitigating risks associated with substance abuse.
Extended Detection Window in Hampden Sydney, VA
Hair follicle testing affords employers a long-term perspective with its extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This method not only affirms current well-being practices but also enables companies to maintain standards by understanding an employee's or candidate's historical substance involvement, contributing to a drug-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hampden Sydney, VA The integrity of hair follicle tests is unmatched when considering sample adulteration risks. The method significantly minimizes tampering efforts, ensuring results remain uncontested and trustworthy. In an industry where reliability is paramount, hair testing offers results that cannot be easily deceived, maintaining the credibility of any testing program.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hampden Sydney, VA
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates convenience through its extensive network of testing centers. With locations spread nationwide, accessing drug testing services becomes hassle-free and quick. Our local presence in Hampden Sydney, VA, further adds to the ease, ensuring that our services meet the needs of both regional and nationwide clientele.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hampden Sydney, VA
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests are streamlined to prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that every step is conducted with discretion, addressing privacy concerns and making the entire process user-friendly and secure for all stakeholders involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hampden Sydney, VA
Our competitive pricing models and swift turnaround times are designed to provide unbeatable value for companies of various scales. Accredited Drug Testing offers cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or timeliness, putting peace of mind within reach for employers seeking reliable drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hampden Sydney, VA! Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and swift outcomes that ensure high accuracy in substance detection. Employers and authorities gain the advantage of quick turnaround, which aids in timely decision-making. The technology employed in analyzing hair ensures that every substance is detected with remarkable reliability and meticulousness.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hampden Sydney, VA
Incorporating hair follicle testing instills confidence in maintaining compliance with workplace drug policies. By reducing legal risks and bolstering safety standards, companies can operate more efficiently and ensure employee peace of mind. This method aids in upholding a professional environment, focused on accountability and transparency.
