Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a significant method for identifying substance use. It captures long-term records of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When retrieved close to the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over a detection span of around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, comparatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG enhancements and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair covers all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing additional data entry absent from any electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in Screening, another portion is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Hanover, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy. Employers seeking reliable results prefer hair tests due to their comprehensive detection abilities. Unlike urine tests that cover a short duration, hair tests offer a broad view of substance use, ensuring a more precise analysis of an individual's history.
The advanced accuracy of hair tests ensures each result is trustworthy, reinforcing their reliability over urine tests. These tests are particularly effective for organizations seeking to uphold strict drug-free policies, delivering the certainty needed for sound decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Hanover, VA provides an extended detection window, allowing drug use to be traced back up to 90 days. This wide-ranging detection timeframe gives employers a more complete perspective of an applicant's or employee's substance history, beyond the capabilities of other testing forms.
With such a comprehensive overview, businesses can make well-informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees. The extensive detection window ensures no recent substance use goes unnoticed, providing a thorough evaluation of an individual's drug use patterns.
Hair follicle tests in Hanover, VA are known for their tamper-resistant nature, greatly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This feature ensures that the results remain reliable and beyond dispute, a critical advantage over other testing options susceptible to manipulation.
The method's design makes it exceptionally challenging for individuals to alter or fabricate results, assuring employers and legal entities of the test's integrity. This reliability is paramount, especially in high-stakes environments requiring indisputable evidence of drug use.
Our nationwide and local testing centers in Hanover, VA offer unparalleled convenience, making drug testing quick and hassle-free. These accessible locations ensure that anyone needing a test can easily find a nearby center, simplifying the entire process.
The wide network of facilities allows for expedited service, eliminating long waits or lengthy travel, which is invaluable for busy schedules. This accessibility ensures that testing services are not only efficient but also user-friendly.
In Hanover, VA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns one may have. Ordering and taking the test is straightforward, ensuring ease of use without sacrificing discretion.
The seamless process extends to receiving results, which are delivered securely, maintaining your confidentiality throughout. This user-centric approach ensures that privacy is prioritized, providing users with confidence and comfort during the testing process.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Hanover, VA delivers excellent value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our competitive pricing structures, ensuring effective and budget-friendly solutions for drug testing needs.
The swift processing of tests supports operational efficiency, granting companies peace of mind with rapid yet reliable results. This combination of affordability and speed makes it an appealing choice for responsible and economically sensible testing.
Hair follicle drug tests in Hanover, VA are unparalleled in their fast and accurate results. Precision is the hallmark of these tests, as they efficiently unveil substance use, ensuring you get the right information swiftly. The cutting-edge technology behind hair tests assures users of their reliability, providing unmatched accuracy that's crucial for trust in results.
The process ensures a quick turnaround time, delivering results you can depend on. This speed in processing is matched by the accuracy our tests offer, allowing for confident decisions based on reliable data. For those requiring swift yet thorough results, hair follicle testing stands out prominently.
In Hanover, VA, hair follicle testing plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By employing these tests, employers can significantly reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety, ensuring a robust compliance framework that protects both the company and its employees.
The assurance provided by hair tests fosters peace of mind, knowing that the workplace remains secure and adherence to regulations is maintained. Organizations benefit from this reliable testing method, which supports a safe and drug-free environment.
