Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair drug assessments are now recognized as a significant resource in detecting substance and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When taken near to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 90-day detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A clipping of 1.5 inches from around 200 strands close to the scalp, equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, the implication is scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical stages in laboratory handling of a drug assessment outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a specimen into a lab's system. This task encompasses verifying that the specimen was properly sealed and dispatched, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), along with completing extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a budget-friendly avenue to exclude drug usage in most specimens, positive screenings must be validated for court admissibility. Specimens suspected to be positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
In the event a specimen tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Within this step, drugs are withdrawn from hair at concentrations considerably lower than alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug assessment stands as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening results transpires via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests," the examination itself analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Mavisdale, VA, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing with its enhanced detection accuracy and consistency. Unlike older methods, hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis, making them ideal for identifying drug use over extended periods. This superior method ensures reliability, minimizing errors often seen in traditional urine tests.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Mavisdale, VA is a game changer, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This feature offers employers an in-depth insight into an individual's substance use history, allowing for more informed decision-making regarding potential hires or current employees.
Hair follicle tests in Mavisdale, VA provide a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing, significantly reducing the risk of sample manipulation. This method offers robust and unquestionable results, making it the preferred choice for ensuring authenticity and reliability in drug testing processes.
The accessible and convenient nationwide testing facilities, including local ones in Mavisdale, VA, offer ease and convenience, making drug testing services readily available. This network ensures that tests can be conducted swiftly and efficiently, minimizing hassle for those who require quick and easy access.
The process of arranging, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Mavisdale, VA is simple and confidential. This straightforward process addresses any privacy concerns individuals may have, ensuring a seamless experience with complete peace of mind regarding personal data and results security.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Mavisdale, VA provides exceptional value. Regardless of company size, these cost-effective solutions ensure rapid results, offering assurance and satisfaction for employers seeking dependable drug testing services.
Hair follicle drug tests in Mavisdale, VA stand out for their precision and speed, offering unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests are not only efficient but also ensure a high level of reliability, providing fast and trustworthy outcomes, which are essential for both individuals and organizations that rely on accurate drug testing procedures.
In Mavisdale, VA, utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with strict drug-free policies at workplaces. This testing method not only mitigates legal risks but also bolsters workplace safety and peace of mind for employers who prioritize a substance-free environment for their teams.
