Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a usage pattern for alcohol and drugs covering up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil), taken close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional services, and/or assays exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for exact weighing. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be collected. Note that when we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a specimen is initially processed into a laboratory's system, confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment of drug presence. Though Screening is a cost-efficient strategy for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleaned before undergoing confirmation, if required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Horntown, VA. The enhanced detection accuracy showcases hair testing as a more trustworthy method for identifying substance use. While urine tests show recent use, hair evaluations ensure a broader and more reliable history, reinforcing their effectiveness in maintaining safe environments.
In Horntown, VA, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, capturing drug use over about 90 days. This broad perspective helps employers better understand a person's long-term substance habits, thereby aiding in informed hiring decisions. An expansive detection period ensures comprehensive substance history insights.
In Horntown, VA, the hair follicle test almost eliminates sample contamination risks. This tamper-resistant testing method proves reliable and produces undeniable results. Unlike other tests, the safeguards against manipulation elevate the test's integrity, ensuring it remains credible and permissible.
Our extensive network of nationwide testing locations offers incredible convenience in Horntown, VA. Whether it's quick access or hassle-free arrangements, local centers ensure testing needs are met without undue stress. Availability across numerous sites guarantees users find nearby facilities for their testing requirements.
The process for hair follicle testing in Horntown, VA is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. From order to test to results, every step respects users' privacy, letting them address their concerns with ease. Clients gain confidence with a discreet, manageable experience.
Horntown, VA stands to benefit from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in hair drug testing. Our competitive pricing strategies, paired with swift outcomes, offer exceptional value. Companies, regardless of size, enjoy cost-effective services that provide both assurance and financial sense.
In Horntown, VA, obtaining fast and accurate results is crucial. Hair follicle drug tests offer an exceptional level of precision, efficiently identifying substance use. These evaluations minimize the time needed for processing while maintaining high accuracy. Individuals and organizations benefit immensely from timely and reliable outcomes, enhancing decision-making processes.
Employers in Horntown, VA achieve compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free policies, these tests reduce legal vulnerabilities while promoting workplace safety. Companies align with regulations, protecting their workforce and fortifying their operational stability.
