Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means to detect substance use, encompassing both alcohol and drugs. The hair fiber captures biomarkers during its growth, offering a comprehensive timeline of substance intake. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period extending close to three months. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches in length, approximately 200 strands or around the girth of a #2 pencil, closest to the scalp provides a 100mg sample, ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is advisable to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. Scalp hair refers specifically to hair on the head, while body hair encompasses all other areas, including facial and axillary regions.
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in processing a drug testing result in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process where a sample is initially processed into the lab system. This step checks that the sample has been properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any necessary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening executes a preliminary check for substance abuse. While it is an economical approach to identify negative drug usage across most samples, any positive finding during Screening needs confirmation to hold up in legal scenarios. Presumptive positive screenings necessitate further substantiation.
If the Screening finds a sample presumptively positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from the hair at a substantially reduced concentration than other techniques like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair analysis the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive findings from initial screening is performed through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptively positive undergo a cleansing before confirmation. The comprehensive lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under scrutiny by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term “hair follicle tests†is misleading, as it assesses the hair strand and not the follicle under the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
Extended Detection Window in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
Hair follicle tests provide an impressive opportunity to identify drug use over a lasting period of up to 90 days, offering employers detailed insights into an individual's substance history. This longer detection window allows for informed decisions regarding employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
Our hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring consistent and reliable outcomes. This tamper-proof method provides peace of mind for employers and legal authorities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
With our broad network of testing centers across the nation, accessing drug testing services is simple and efficient, ensuring an easy process no matter your location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
The straightforward and private approach to hair follicle testing makes ordering, sampling, and receiving results stress-free. We uphold privacy standards to address any concerns about confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
Providing competitive prices and rapid result times, our services deliver remarkable value, giving companies, regardless of size, dependable and economical solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA Our hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and efficiency in detecting substance use, ensuring precise outcomes without delay. Clients experience high confidence in the fast diagnosis and confirmation of potential drug consumption.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
Utilizing hair follicle testing enables adherence to workplace drug-free initiatives, thereby diminishing legal risks and boosting safety measures. Employers are assured of maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
