Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber during its growth. Hair collected near the scalp offers a detection period for alcohol and drugs stretching up to around 90 days. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5-inches and consisting of approximately 200 hairs (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) is needed to yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. Employing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is unobtainable, the same quantity of body hair can suffice. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses any other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary integration of a sample into the lab’s database. This step verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, involves assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drug presence. While cost-effective in eliminating drug use in most samples, results indicating drug presence must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any sample flagged as presumptively positive in Screening demands further confirmation.
Should a sample be flagged as presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid; hence, hair drug screening stands as a more complex procedure.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumption of drug use are washed before confirmation, as per requirements. The comprehensive laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines for Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lakeside, VA, hair follicle testing provides a competitive edge over urine tests. Superior Detection is achieved as hair tests can identify drug use over long intervals, unlike traditional urine tests which offer a limited timeframe for detection. The precision of hair testing ensures accurate results.
A Reliable Method means using hair tests can eliminate the variability seen in urine testing. With nearly impossible odds of tampering, hair tests encourage trust and compliance with drug-free policies, reinforcing workplace integrity and reliability.
Employers in Lakeside, VA, benefit from the Extended Detection Window of hair testing, offering up to 90 days of drug use history. This extensive period provides a comprehensive insight into the substance habits of applicants or current employees, surpassing the capabilities of urine tests.
The In-Depth View into past substance use enables companies to make informed hiring or continuation decisions. This long-range detection not only highlights historical use but also supports compliance with drug regulations, strengthening workplace policies.
Hair follicle testing in Lakeside, VA, is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, which can be easily manipulated, hair tests reduce the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy outcomes consistently.
Unquestionable Results are fundamental for legal and employment contexts. Our tests offer a robust defense against tampering, ensuring results are an accurate reflection of the individual's drug use, thereby upholding integrity across all testing scenarios.
In Lakeside, VA, our hair testing services ensure convenience through numerous nationwide and local locations. Our widespread network allows easy access, reducing hassle and time in obtaining testing services for individuals and businesses alike.
Accessible and Hassle-Free locations encourage streamlined testing experiences. This accessibility illustrates our commitment to providing user-friendly and efficient service, emphasizing client satisfaction in Lakeside.
Experience a Simple and Confidential process in Lakeside, VA, with our hair follicle testing services. From ordering to result retrieval, our straightforward approach prioritizes privacy, addressing any concerns.
Ease of Use is a key component of our service, allowing employers and individuals to navigate through testing obligations effortlessly while ensuring data confidentiality throughout.
In Lakeside, VA, our hair follicle testing promises Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of different sizes, ensuring excellent value without compromising on service.
Value for Money is assured with our quick, efficient, and reliable testing processes, promoting financial prudence alongside rapid, consistent outcomes.
In Lakeside, VA, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and efficiency. Our state-of-the-art procedures ensure swift results without sacrificing accuracy, detecting a variety of substances reliably. The precision of hair tests surpasses urine tests by identifying long-term substance use effectively.
Fast and Reliable outcomes are vital for employers making informed decisions. Our approach guarantees prompt and definitive results, aiding employers in evaluating applicants or employees confidently. The commitment to delivering reliable results underpins our service in Lakeside.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Lakeside, VA, gives employers peace of mind and aids in upholding drug-free policies. This method helps minimize legal risks, offering a compliant and safe working environment.
Ensuring Compliance with company policies is crucial. Hair tests provide employers with reliable data to support disciplinary actions and policy enforcement, enhancing overall workplace security and productivity.
