Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair, it offers an extended history of alcohol and drug intake. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of around three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easily collected, challenges adulteration, and is simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. It’s suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair specifies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in laboratory processing for drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in integrating a sample into a lab’s database. This involves confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for substance abuse. While cost-effective, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that screen positive initially necessitate a subsequent validation.
For initially positive samples, additional hair is extracted from the starting sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents a greater challenge in execution.
Positive results from Screening are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Termed "hair follicle tests" colloquially, the examination assesses hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Lyndhurst, VA, the advantages of hair tests become evident. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and is more reliable due to its extended window for drug use detection. This method gives a clear advantage over urine testing, which is often limited to recent usage detection, typically within just a few days.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, making it highly valuable for employers in Lyndhurst, VA. With the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, it provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This long-term insight is crucial for making informed decisions regarding employment and workplace safety.
In Lyndhurst, VA, hair follicle tests are chosen for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, hair sampling greatly minimizes the risk of adulteration. This ensures that results are trustworthy and untainted, providing reliable confirmation of substance use history and supporting integrity in testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing makes access to drug testing services easy with convenient locations throughout Lyndhurst, VA, and nationwide. With numerous testing centers, clients experience quick, hassle-free service, ensuring that testing needs are met efficiently and effectively no matter where they are.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Lyndhurst, VA, is both simple and confidential. Our streamlined procedures ensure ease of ordering, testing, and receiving results. Privacy concerns are a priority, with practices in place to maintain confidentiality at every stage, ensuring user trust and assurance.
Our competitive pricing and swift test result delivery in Lyndhurst, VA, make hair follicle testing an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. This cost-effective service is complemented by fast turnaround times, providing significant value and peace of mind in maintaining workplace compliance.
The efficiency and dependability of hair follicle drug testing in Lyndhurst, VA, set it apart. The tests are designed to deliver fast, precise results, making them an excellent choice for accurate substance detection. Their meticulous nature ensures that testing outcomes are highly reliable, providing peace of mind for individuals and organizations alike.
By employing hair follicle testing in Lyndhurst, VA, employers can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method enhances workplace safety by reducing legal risks and giving employers peace of mind. It's a proactive approach that also supports a safe and productive working environment.
