Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as an effective instrument for identifying alcohol and substance use has gained traction. Hair captures a longitudinal record of alcohol and drug biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair samples can exhibit detection capabilities for substances over approximately three months. Hair sample collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, extra screenings, or assays exceeding 10 panels, a minimum specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar volume of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair indicate scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within a laboratory’s framework. This procedure includes ensuring that the sample is securely sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional information entry not already available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening functions as a preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening is cost-effective, any positive findings require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary validation process.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair will be collected from the original sample in preparation for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Affirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if needed. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the actual follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests, particularly in McKenney, VA. The most obvious benefit is the extended detection period, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can detect substance consumption over months, providing a broader picture.
Furthermore, hair testing boasts superior accuracy. The structure of hair retains drug metabolites longer than urine, leading to more reliable results. This method also minimizes the potential for tampering, a common issue with urine tests, ensuring that results remain untainted and credible.
In McKenney, VA, hair follicle tests excel with their extended detection period, analyzing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This timeframe allows employers to gain comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history, greatly surpassing the capabilities of more traditional methods.
This broad detection window offered by hair testing provides a clearer picture of consistent substance use, deterring sporadic users from escaping notice. It offers employers a more thorough means of assessing the long-term habits of their applicants or employees, fostering a safer workplace environment.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in McKenney, VA is its resistance to tampering. Because hair samples are collected under direct supervision and are not easily adulterated, the risk of sample contamination is significantly reduced, ensuring the authenticity of the results.
This tamper-resistant method provides employers peace of mind, knowing that the drug test outcomes are unwaveringly reliable and trustworthy. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle analysis nearly eliminates the possibility of manipulating test results, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing provides unmatched convenience with its extensive network of testing centers, including local options in McKenney, VA. This extensive reach ensures that accessing drug testing services is hassle-free, regardless of your location, making it easier than ever to meet testing requirements quickly and efficiently.
Our network is designed to accommodate the needs of organizations and individuals alike, delivering prompt, professional services with minimal difficulty. This accessibility ensures that testing is not only efficient but also readily available, supporting your testing needs comprehensively.
In McKenney, VA, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees a simple and confidential process for conducting hair follicle tests. Ordering a test is straightforward, with the collection process designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. Results are delivered with privacy in mind, safeguarding the confidentiality of all participants.
This streamlined process reassures individuals and employers alike, addressing concerns of privacy while simplifying the testing experience. With all steps handled professionally, participants can expect a smooth and respectful testing process that emphasizes confidentiality and ease.
Accredited Drug Testing in McKenney, VA offers competitive pricing for its hair follicle testing services, coupled with fast turnaround times. This combination ensures that companies receive excellent value without compromising on quality or reliability of results.
Our pricing structure is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, providing affordable solutions that do not strain budgets. The quick processing of tests ensures that results are returned promptly, supporting timely decision-making for employers while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Hair follicle drug testing in McKenney, VA is synonymous with speed and precision. This method stands out for its ability to deliver fast and accurate results when screening for substance use. With the capacity to detect a wide range of substances with high fidelity, hair testing ensures that results are not only quick but also dependable and comprehensive.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing is unparalleled. Its ability to detect even trace amounts of drugs ensures that the tests are highly reliable, minimizing any chances of false negatives or positives. This makes it a preferred choice for employers seeking dependable information on substance use.
For employers in McKenney, VA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with mandated drug-free workplace policies. By utilizing this method, organizations can significantly mitigate legal risks associated with drug use and maintain a high standard of safety and professionalism within their workforce.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that hair follicle drug tests deliver unquestionable results, supporting their commitment to a safe working environment. The rigorous testing process and definitive outcomes reinforce compliance with industry standards and reduce exposure to liabilities.
