Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record over time for alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Gathering samples near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to send.
A specimen measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil’s thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or for panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. We advocate for using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory examination of a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not accomplished through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples that present a tentative positive in Screening must undergo a secondary validation.
If a sample shows a tentative positive during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is extracted for further analysis in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair in smaller concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex methodology to execute.
Any positive result from Screening is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show tentative positive results are washed before confirmation when necessary. The completeness of the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle over urine testing is clear in La Crosse, VA. Hair tests have distinct benefits: a longer detection window and less vulnerability to tampering, maintaining the integrity of results. Unlike traditional urine tests, which can only cover a shorter timeframe, hair tests provide comprehensive insights into an individual's substance usage, offering a superior, reliable solution.
In La Crosse, VA, the extended detection period of hair follicle tests offers employers an extensive look into an individual's drug history. With the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days prior, hair testing provides invaluable insights, helping employers make more informed decisions about current or prospective employees. This superior detection capability assists in maintaining a responsible workforce.
Hair follicle testing in La Crosse, VA stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. By significantly minimizing opportunities for sample manipulation, this method guarantees trustworthy and indisputable results. While other testing methods may be compromised, hair testing is steadfast, ensuring the results always reflect the true status of substance use without doubt.
With the convenience of nationwide facilities, including key locations in La Crosse, VA, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward. The comprehensive network of testing centers ensures that services are not only available locally but also easily accessible elsewhere. This widespread availability supports a seamless testing process, catering to individuals and companies alike.
In La Crosse, VA, enjoy a straightforward and private approach to hair follicle testing. The simple process for booking, sampling, and result retrieval prioritizes confidentiality at every step. This user-friendly procedure ensures that all concerns around privacy are put to rest, allowing users to navigate the testing process with ease and complete assurance.
Offering affordable pricing along with swift result turnaround, our La Crosse, VA hair follicle testing service presents exceptional value. The competitive rates combined with the promptness of delivering results make the service ideal for businesses of any size. This affordability and efficiency provide businesses with the comfort of cost-effective and reliable substance monitoring.
In La Crosse, VA, hair follicle drug testing brings you accuracy and rapidity. This method excels in pinpointing substance use with high precision. The streamlined process reduces waiting times, ensuring that results come back quickly without compromising on reliability. By detecting even minute traces of substances, hair follicle tests provide an authoritative view of any substance use.
Employers in La Crosse, VA gain immense peace of mind by leveraging hair follicle testing for workplace compliance. This method aligns with drug-free policies, reducing potential legal challenges and promoting a safer environment. By implementing this testing approach, employers not only adhere to regulations but also contribute to building a secure, well-regulated work setting.
