Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a prolonged account of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. When gathered close to the scalp, it can offer an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be absent, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only the scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial quick check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening needs confirmation to be valid in court. Any presumptively positive screening samples necessitate secondary verification.
If a sample appears presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a complex method.
Verification of positive screen results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as required prior to Confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the scalp-based follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hayfield, VA
Comparatively, hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability over urine tests. Its extended detection period ensures that substances are identified even if they were consumed long before the testing period. Contrast that with urine tests, which usually capture recent usage, allowing hair tests to provide a more thorough substance history.
The reliability of hair follicle testing stems from its consistency in results. This method excels in detecting previously missed instances, making it a preferred alternative for more comprehensive drug investigations.
Extended Detection Window in Hayfield, VA
Hair follicle testing presents the advantage of a longer detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a broader understanding of an individual's drug usage history. It enables a comprehensive view that isn't confined to a small testing window, which is typical in more conventional methods.
For employers in Hayfield, VA, gaining insights over an extensive period is vital. Knowing the potential substance habits of employees or job candidates helps inform better hiring or maintenance practices, ultimately enhancing workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hayfield, VA
Hair follicle drug tests significantly decrease the likelihood of sample tampering. They provide results that cannot be easily manipulated, offering an unmatched level of reliability. This is critical for entities requiring unquestionable data in substance monitoring and testing protocols.
For Hayfield's employers and authorities, ensuring the integrity of test results is paramount. Hair testing delivers this assurance, as its nature lends itself less to alteration compared to conventional urine tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hayfield, VA
Our expansive network of testing centers guarantees easy access throughout the country, including local facilities in Hayfield, VA. This means testing is convenient and accessible, reducing the time and effort required to comply with drug testing needs.
Offering nationwide facilities ensures an extensive reach, tailoring the testing process to be user-friendly and efficient for everyone, regardless of location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hayfield, VA
Our testing approach emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. Clients can order, partake, and receive results with ease, maintaining privacy throughout each step. This process aims to be transparent and secure, accommodating any concerns regarding personal data.
Confidentiality in Hayfield, VA, is critical for client peace of mind. Ensuring a discrete journey from start to finish enhances trust and user experience, making the testing seamless and worry-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hayfield, VA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures, delivering value across various budgetary constraints. Our fast turnaround of results is designed to meet the needs of companies of all sizes, ensuring efficiency without breaking the bank.
In Hayfield, VA, cost-effective solutions paired with swift results allow businesses to maintain their productivity and compliance standards effortlessly, providing them an optimal balance of quality and affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hayfield, VA
The virtue of hair follicle drug tests lies in their swift and precise outcomes. By analyzing hair samples, these tests offer a high accuracy level in identifying substance use. This method ensures that results are both reliable and swift, providing clarity in cases of substance monitoring.
In Hayfield, VA, speed and precision are crucial for drug testing. Hair follicle tests ensure timely results without sacrificing reliability, making them outstanding tools for both employers and individuals requiring quick answers.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hayfield, VA
Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, guaranteeing compliance and reducing legal risks. For employers, ensuring adherence to such policies builds a framework that not only meets legal requirements but also fosters a safer work environment.
In Hayfield, VA, remaining compliant is essential. Hair testing offers companies peace of mind, knowing their practices meet the necessary standards for workplace safety and policy enforcement.
