Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug intake. When gathered from near the scalp, hair offers a detection period extending up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it is specific to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling in any data missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective method to identify drug use in most samples. However, for court admissibility, a positive screen must be confirmed. Samples that test positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening confirmation is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Idylwood, VA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering extended detection accuracy and reliability. It ensures a much broader window for detecting substances, providing employers with more reliable data, making it a superior option in Idylwood, VA.
Extended Detection Window in Idylwood, VA
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, often up to 90 days. This capability offers employers in Idylwood, VA, a detailed assessment of a person's substance history, enriching their decision-making process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Idylwood, VA
The hair follicle test significantly mitigates the possibility of tampering, ensuring reliable results. In Idylwood, VA, this method delivers incontestable findings, offering assurance to employers and authorities in maintaining integrity in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Idylwood, VA
Our expansive network of testing centers, including local options in Idylwood, VA, ensures swift and easy access to testing services. This infrastructure provides an effortless experience for clients, securing hassle-free drug and alcohol testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Idylwood, VA
The hair follicle testing process in Idylwood, VA, is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From order to result delivery, this streamlined approach ensures user satisfaction and safeguarded data.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Idylwood, VA
Our competitive pricing combined with quick turnaround times provides excellent value for companies in Idylwood, VA. This ensures businesses of all sizes receive efficient drug testing solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Idylwood, VA
Hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled precision and speed in identifying substance abuse. Through meticulous analysis, results are delivered swiftly while ensuring high accuracy levels, making it an excellent choice for employers seeking dependable drug screening solutions in Idylwood, VA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Idylwood, VA
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Idylwood, VA, fosters adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safer environment. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing their drug screening program is compliant and comprehensive.
