Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jonesville, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a potent method for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer up to around a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil's width) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests that exceed 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advocated. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Summary

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process encompasses ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening includes an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen demands further confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory test.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is a particularly challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of a positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation when needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes a review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair testing for drugs:

• Extended detection period: Hair testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Resistant to fraud: Cheating a hair test is notably difficult, thereby ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Chronicles drug use: It can illustrate a pattern of drug use across time, rather than just recent intake.

Constraints:

• Lacks recent use detection: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair testing is typically pricier than other drug-testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair pigmentation and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the testing actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing drug testing methods in Jonesville, VA, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, offering more reliable results and a longer window of detection. This method provides greater assurance for both employers and legal entities in maintaining a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Jonesville, VA, offers an extended detection window for substance use, up to 90 days, unlike other methods. This testing gives employers a detailed view of an individual's drug history, ensuring informed decisions are made regarding hiring and maintaining a drug-free workplace. It's an invaluable tool for comprehensive screening.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Jonesville, VA, hair follicle testing is known for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method provides unquestionable reliability, ensuring that the results are dependable and trustworthy, eliminating doubts and maintaining the integrity of the drug testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide testing centers in Jonesville, VA, ensure easy access to drug testing services. These convenient testing locations offer a hassle-free process, making it simple for individuals and organizations to obtain necessary tests efficiently, without the inconvenience of travel or complicated scheduling.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Jonesville, VA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns for individuals and businesses seeking discreet testing solutions without compromising on effectiveness.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Jonesville, VA, benefits from our competitive and affordable pricing structures, with fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our services provide excellent value, ensuring companies of all sizes receive peace of mind without straining their budgets, making effective drug testing accessible to all.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Jonesville, VA, hair follicle drug tests offer swift and accurate detection of substance use. These tests are designed for precision, providing reliable results quicker compared to traditional methods. With a high accuracy rate, they reveal a person's drug use habits effectively and efficiently, making them a preferred choice for those in need of trustworthy outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Jonesville, VA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method supports reducing legal risks associated with drug use, promoting a safer, more productive work environment, and giving employers peace of mind knowing they are adhering to necessary regulations.

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