Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair preserves a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial sample entry into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it serves as a cost-effective method to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed as needed before confirmation. The entire lab processing cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing presents a formidable advantage over traditional urine tests in Horse Pasture, VA. Extended detection is one such benefit, with hair tests tracking drug use for up to 90 days, compared to urine's limited window. Accuracy is another win, ensuring reliable results. Employers receiving comprehensive insights into substance use find hair testing invaluable.
Additionally, hair tests mitigate cheating risks, bolstering their reliability.
In Horse Pasture, VA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history. This method provides employers a more comprehensive view of an individual’s long-term substance use, setting it apart from traditional testing methods. By examining a longer timeframe, employers can make informed decisions about potential hires or current employees, enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Hair follicle tests in Horse Pasture, VA are a tamper-resistant solution for substance use detection. Unlike other methods, these tests significantly reduce the likelihood of sample manipulation, ensuring the integrity of results. This reliability offers peace of mind to employers seeking unquestionable evidence of a candidate or employee’s drug use history. Trust hair testing for its robust and defensible results.
Benefit from our convenient nationwide testing locations in Horse Pasture, VA. With centers spread across numerous cities, individuals and businesses enjoy quick, easy access to tests. Local facilities allow for hassle-free testing processes, ensuring that you and your employees undergo screenings without disruption. Leverage this widespread network for efficient and reliable drug testing solutions whenever needed.
Experience a simple, confidential process for drug testing in Horse Pasture, VA. The seamless ordering system and straightforward collection methods prioritize ease and privacy, from initial scheduling to receiving results. Assure clients and employees of their data protection, boosting confidence and maintaining discretion throughout the testing journey. Streamline your testing experience with our user-friendly approach.
Horse Pasture, VA residents benefit from our affordable pricing for hair follicle drug tests. Our efficient processes yield quick turnaround times, offering excellent value for companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing models ensure you maximize your budget while receiving quality service. Achieve peace of mind with our cost-effective solutions, combining thorough testing with fiscal responsibility.
Horse Pasture, VA residents seeking drug testing will find fast, accurate, and reliable results with hair follicle tests. With a precise detection rate, these tests efficiently identify substance use over extended periods. The high accuracy of hair testing enables rapid result processing, ensuring that individuals and companies are promptly informed. Trust in the thoroughness and speed of hair testing to maintain rigorous standards.
For employers in Horse Pasture, VA, compliance and peace of mind are at the forefront with hair follicle tests. This testing method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting safety. By opting for hair testing, employers demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free environment, ensuring a safer, more productive workplace, and avoiding potential liabilities that accompany illegal substance presence.
