Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers within its fibers, providing a prolonged history of substance use. By collecting hair near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. This method is straightforward to gather, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for dismissing drug use in most samples, a screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal cases. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternate methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is executed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Kinsale, VA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests enables identification of long-term drug use, unlike urine tests which only capture recent activity. This makes hair testing highly valuable for situations demanding in-depth assessments.
Hair testing's reliability rates exceed those of urine tests due to a minimized risk of tampering and longer detection windows. Employers favor hair tests to maintain zero-tolerance policies, benefiting from the test's comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history.
In Kinsale, VA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers an invaluable 90-day overview of drug use. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis captures a comprehensive timeline of substance intake, surpassing the scope of urine tests.
This expansive window allows employers to gain a broad understanding of an applicant's or employee's long-term drug behaviors, providing essential insights into patterns that might affect workplace productivity and safety. Hair testing serves as a critical tool for informed decision-making.
In Kinsale, VA, hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily adulterated, hair tests provide unquestionable results. The integrity of hair samples is maintained from collection through analysis, ensuring accurate outcomes.
This method significantly reduces the possibility of sample manipulation, enhancing confidence among employers. The trustworthy results derived from hair testing are crucial for maintaining fair and safe environments, free from the risk of deceit.
In Kinsale, VA, our nationwide testing centers, including local options, offer convenience for accessing hair follicle drug testing services. The widespread availability ensures easy, hassle-free testing experiences for users across the country.
Clients benefit from quick and straightforward access to testing facilities, eliminating common barriers to obtaining necessary tests. With extensive locations, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process for businesses and individuals alike.
In Kinsale, VA, Accredited Drug Testing provides a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing, ensuring privacy at each step. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results are managed with attention to user confidentiality and ease.
Understanding concerns over privacy, the method is designed to protect personal information while delivering practical solutions efficiently. This careful approach guarantees that users feel secure and respected throughout the testing journey.
In Kinsale, VA, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with a fast turnaround time. This structure supports businesses of all sizes in accessing reliable testing without sacrificing quality or cost-efficiency.
The competitive pricing and swift results provide exceptional value, ensuring companies receive both economic and practical benefits. Fast processing times allow for quick action on test outcomes, aiding in prompt decision-making and operational continuity.
In Kinsale, VA, hair follicle tests stand out for their swift and accurate detection of substance use. Their ability to precisely identify drug presence ensures confidence in test results. Speed and reliability are hallmarks of this testing method, offering unmatched performance in quick assessments of an individual's substance use history.
By delivering fast outcomes, hair follicle testing offers an efficient solution for urgent needs. The process ensures high accuracy, making it a trusted choice for employers aiming to maintain substance-free environments. The rapid turnaround bolsters corporate trust in testing results.
Employers in Kinsale, VA, enjoy increased compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies minimizes legal risks and boosts safety. Hair testing supports a transparent approach to maintaining corporate standards.
The method's comprehensive nature allows employers to protect organizational interests and employee wellbeing. Implementing hair tests demonstrates dedication to upholding stringent company values, reinforcing confidence and security within the workforce.
