Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a significant approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand fibers. When extracted from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels surpassing 10, 150mg is advisable. We propose using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results entails four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This process involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry lacking in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug usage in most samples, Screening requires confirmation of any positive results for court admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening mandate secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Positive screenings are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples receive a wash before confirmation, if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lake Holiday, VA
In Lake Holiday, using hair testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests have a limited detection window, hair since can track substance usage over a more extended period, providing a holistic view of drug consumption patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Lake Holiday, VA
Hair follicle testing shines with its ability to identify drug use within a 90-day period. This extended detection timeframe offers employers a detailed overview of an individual’s substance use history, ensuring informed decision-making in workplace environments across Lake Holiday.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lake Holiday, VA
The robustness of hair follicle tests significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This methodology provides reliable, irrefutable results, making it an ideal testing choice for those in Lake Holiday looking for security and credibility in their drug testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Lake Holiday, VA
Accredited Drug Testing ensures hassle-free testing options with its widespread network of centers across the nation, including local options in Lake Holiday. This convenience guarantees that testing services are easily accessible and promptly available wherever they are needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lake Holiday, VA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and secure, maintaining participant privacy. From ordering to obtaining results, the procedure is easy to navigate, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring participants’ peace of mind in Lake Holiday.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lake Holiday, VA
Our competitive pricing models and rapid turnaround times deliver exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes in Lake Holiday can enjoy affordable testing services, enhancing value and confidence in timely drug testing results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lake Holiday, VA
Hair follicle drug tests offer top-notch precision and swiftness in detecting substance use, making them a prime choice in Lake Holiday. This method’s high accuracy ensures that results are trustworthy and consistent, giving individuals and organizations confidence in the findings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lake Holiday, VA
Employment of hair follicle testing provides assurance of adhering to drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing this testing method can help minimize legal risks and enhance workplace safety, offering employers in Lake Holiday peace of mind and a safer working environment.
