Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive record of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the hair as it grows. When secured near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch length consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for initial screening and subsequent verification. For further testing such as EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accuracy is advisable. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar weight of body hair can be used instead. When discussing head hair, we are discussing only the hair from the scalp. Body hair encompasses any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial input of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in most specimens, a positive outcome must be corroborated for legal validity. Samples with preliminary positive results in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is preliminary positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a much more refined concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most intricate procedure to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hot Springs, VA
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle exams offer superior detection accuracy. The reliability of hair testing surpasses traditional methods, ensuring comprehensive substance use assessments. Their enhanced detection window and difficulty to tamper with make them an excellent choice for accurate monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Hot Springs, VA
Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history, facilitating informed evaluations of applicants and employees, and maintaining workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hot Springs, VA
The robustness of hair follicle tests lies in their tamper-resistant nature. This significantly lowers the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results remain reliable and unquestionable. Such integrity in testing is vital for upholding trust and accuracy in drug use screenings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hot Springs, VA
Our nationwide and local centers streamline the testing process. With quick and easy access to these facilities, individuals and companies enjoy hassle-free experiences that maximize convenience and ensure efficient testing at every stage.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hot Springs, VA
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This ensures that privacy concerns are addressed effectively, offering users an easy-to-navigate system that prioritizes their personal information security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hot Springs, VA
Our competitive pricing structure is designed to suit all companies, providing excellent value. Coupled with fast turnaround times, businesses receive the results they need promptly, enhancing decision-making processes while keeping costs manageable.
Fast, Accurate,& Reliable Results in Hot Springs, VA
The precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Their high accuracy ensures the effective detection of substance use, providing peace of mind for all stakeholders. This method delivers results swiftly, minimizing downtime and enabling timely decision-making, crucial in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hot Springs, VA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are taking proactive measures to enhance workplace safety and uphold compliance, fostering a secure and productive environment.
