Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method captures a longitudinal record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding markers within the hair's structural fibers. A sample clipped near the scalp can reveal a drug history spanning roughly three months. The procedure for acquiring hair samples is straightforward, rendering them relatively tamper-resistant and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, comprising approximately 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg, which is the preferred specimen size for both preliminary testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for measuring the hair sample is advised. In scenarios where scalp hair is unattainable, equivalent quantities of body hair are acceptable. When specifying head hair, we imply scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all alternate types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the sample's entry into the lab system. This step entails ensuring the sample's seal and shipment adhere to standards, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening involves conducting a preliminary assessment for common substances. While cost efficient for ruling out drug presence in most cases, any positive findings require verification to hold up legally. Presumptive positives necessitate further confirmation.
Should a specimen indicate presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted for further scrutiny. Here, substances are isolated from hair at markedly reduced concentrations compared to alternative methods like urine or saliva testing, underscoring the complex nature of hair drug assessments.
All positive screen results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to final verification, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. This entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accredited protocols.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed "hair follicle tests," these evaluations analyze the strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Loch Lomond, VA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Enhanced detection accuracy allows it to identify drug use over longer periods. In contrast to urine tests, which may miss cases due to quick metabolite release, hair testing captures a fuller picture, making it a highly reliable method for employers and authorities seeking a zero-tolerance approach.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. In Loch Lomond, VA, hair tests detect drug consumption over a duration of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, allowing for informed decision-making regarding potential hires or current employees.
In Loch Lomond, VA, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chances of sample tampering. The inherent resistance to adulteration makes it an exceptionally trustworthy method, as it is collected directly from the body. This rigorous process ensures that the results delivered are both reliable and conclusive, safeguarding the integrity of the testing methodology.
The convenience of nationwide testing is amplified by local centers in Loch Lomond, VA. With accessible testing facilities spread across the country, our centers offer hassle-free service that is both quick and efficient. This ensures that individuals and companies alike have immediate access to high-quality testing without any complications.
Accredited Drug Testing provides a simple, confidential process for clients in Loch Lomond, VA. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are streamlined and private, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality. This easy process instils trust, ensuring users feel comfortable and secure throughout their testing journey.
In Loch Lomond, VA, our hair follicle drug testing offers affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. Competitive cost structures make our services accessible to companies of various sizes, while rapid processing ensures timely results. This combination of value and efficiency provides excellent peace of mind for all our clients.
Hair follicle drug tests in Loch Lomond, VA, are known for their exceptional speed and precision. With their advanced methodologies, these tests offer rapid turnaround in determining drug use. The efficiency of hair tests ensures that results are accurate and dependable, making them an essential tool for entities that prioritize quick and definite conclusions.
For employers in Loch Lomond, VA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only aids in reducing potential legal challenges but also enhances workplace safety. By implementing this stringent testing method, employers can maintain a reputable and risk-free work environment that upholds compliance standards.
