Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a formidable means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair archives a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, not easy to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for assay and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the hair sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair denote scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the initial phase of introducing a sample into a laboratory's system. This phase confirms the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, issues a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result from screening must be verified to be legally valid. Samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate confirmatory testing.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative tests (such as urine or saliva tests), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any screening-positive outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if required. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair shaft and not the hair follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Mendota, VA surpasses urine tests in a myriad of ways. Precision in detecting long-term substance use is a significant advantage, offering a more reliable dataset of an individual’s drug history.
While traditional urine tests are limited to short detection windows, hair tests exhibit superior accuracy. They reveal a more comprehensive picture of substance history, supporting informed decisions for employers and others relying on these results.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Mendota, VA is its extended detection window. Unlike other test methods, hair testing can trace substance use up to 90 days, providing a clearer picture of the individual's history.
For employers, this extensive window allows a detailed viewpoint on substance use, which is crucial for maintaining workplace safety and integrity. Such a comprehensive view is unmatched by other testing methods like urine analysis.
In Mendota, VA, hair follicle tests greatly minimize the chance of sample tampering. The reliability of this testing method provides results that are trustworthy and indisputable.
Due to its unique collection process, hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled resistance to adulteration, ensuring confidence that the sample analyzed truly belongs to the individual. This certainty is critical for all stakeholders relying on proven results.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, access to hair follicle testing services in Mendota, VA is hassle-free. These centers facilitate quick and easy testing for both individuals and businesses.
Whether based in Mendota or other locations, Accredited Drug Testing centers ensure prompt and effortless services. This accessibility supports ongoing needs and demands for reliable testing without inconvenience.
The process of hair follicle testing in Mendota, VA is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to collecting and retrieving results, every step ensures privacy and ease-of-use.
Ensuring confidentiality and simplicity, hair testing processes in Mendota are crafted to address clients' needs for a discreet and effective testing experience. Concerns regarding privacy are paramount, and each procedure reinforces this commitment.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times are the hallmarks of hair follicle testing in Mendota, VA. Businesses benefit from effective, cost-efficient testing solutions without compromising quality or speed.
Our competitive pricing structures in Mendota, VA make hair testing an accessible option for companies of all sizes. With expedited results, firms receive excellent value, minimizing wait times and maximizing operational efficiency.
In Mendota, VA, hair follicle drug testing stands out with its speed, accuracy, and reliability. This method offers a high precision level in identifying substance usage, giving employers, judicial authorities, and treatment professionals a superior tool for effective screening.
Conducting hair follicle tests guarantees quick and accurate results. The analytical precision ensures that any detected substances reflect actual use, making it a trusted option for those seeking reliable results promptly.
Employers in Mendota, VA gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method guarantees compliance with drug-free policies, diminishing the risk of legal issues and promoting a safer work environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing can significantly enhance workplace safety. The assurance it provides against policy violations removes legal concerns, allowing businesses to operate smoothly and with confidence.
