Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as an effective mechanism for revealing drug and alcohol consumption has grown. Hair captures a protracted timeline of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is comparatively difficult, and shipping is effortless.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of 200 hair strands (around a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional checks, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair be insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. Head hair denotes only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four primary phases comprise the laboratory drug test processing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample enters the lab's system. This entails confirming the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any data input missing from the electronic custody system.
Screening offers a swift initial assessment for drug presence. While cost-effective for broadly negating drug use, a positive screen must be corroborated for legal acceptance. Samples indicating presumptive positivity at Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the available sample for further Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to required confirmation. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the underlying follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Louisa, VA
Hair follicle testing offers a competitive edge over traditional urine tests in several ways. Notably, it provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. This enhanced capability ensures that drug use is identified with clarity, offering a robust alternative for those seeking optimal drug testing methods in Louisa.
Extended Detection Window in Louisa, VA
The strength of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to trace substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. For employers in Louisa, this offers a comprehensive view of a candidate or employee’s history, ensuring informed decisions based on reliable substance use data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Louisa, VA
Hair follicle drug tests are designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering. With their robust construction, these tests ensure that results remain trustworthy and intact, providing a level of reliability that traditional testing methods may lack.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Louisa, VA
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with testing centers spread nationwide, including Louisa, VA. This extensive network guarantees that testing services are quick, easy, and accessible, reducing hassle and delays in obtaining necessary results.
Simple, Confidential Process in Louisa, VA
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. This reassures individuals in Louisa concerned about privacy and ease of use, making it a preferable choice for many seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Louisa, VA
Accredited Drug Testing in Louisa, VA takes pride in offering competitively priced services with quick turnaround times. Our approach ensures that businesses of all sizes receive great value and prompt service, fostering confidence and satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Louisa, VA
When it comes to drug testing in Louisa, VA, precision and timeliness are crucial. Hair follicle tests stand out for their swift and precise results. These tests provide unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that results are dependable and timely, critical for informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Louisa, VA
For employers in Louisa, utilizing hair follicle drug tests can be a key factor in maintaining workplace safety and policy compliance. This testing method significantly minimizes legal risks, further securing peace of mind and promoting a drug-free workplace environment.
