Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, a hair sample can present a detection span of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are referring explicitly to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially processed into the lab system. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug substances. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use across most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples perceived as positive during Screening need additional confirmation.
When Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the sample and set for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations than through other methods (such as urine or saliva). This is why hair drug testing is considered a challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicated as positive are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hartfield, VA, hair follicle testing is emerging as a preferred method over traditional urine testing. While urine tests detect recent substance use, hair tests offer a broader detection timeline, capturing a history of up to 90 days. This provides a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance usage, ensuring higher accuracy and robust results.
Employers in Hartfield, VA, benefit from hair follicle testing as it extends the detection window of substance usage to 90 days, offering a thorough view of an employee's history. This type of testing surpasses other methods, empowering employers to make informed decisions based on detailed drug use insights.
In Hartfield, VA, hair follicle tests are recognized for their resistance to tampering, ensuring valid and secure results. Unlike other testing methods that may be susceptible to adulteration, hair tests maintain integrity, providing trustworthy results that are crucial for maintaining high testing standards.
With conveniently located testing sites throughout Hartfield, VA and nationwide, accessing our services is seamless and efficient. Our extensive network ensures you have quick and easy access to reliable drug testing services, minimizing stress for individuals and organizations alike.
The process of conducting a hair follicle test in Hartfield, VA, is straightforward and preserves privacy. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to be effortless while ensuring confidentiality, ultimately providing peace of mind to those involved in the testing procedure.
In Hartfield, VA, our competitive pricing and fast results turnaround make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution. We provide excellent value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, emphasizing quick delivery without compromising on quality or reliability.
Hair follicle tests in Hartfield, VA, are praised for their superior accuracy and quick result delivery. Their ability to accurately detect a wide range of substances makes them a preferred choice over traditional methods. The precise nature of hair analysis ensures that results are dependable and timely, significantly aiding in informed decision-making processes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Hartfield, VA, helps employers adhere to workplace drug-free policies. This method minimizes legal risks, enhancing workplace safety, and nurturing peace of mind for both employers and employees. Hair testing's superiority in compliance assurance is unmatched.
