Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers indicating drug and alcohol use, providing a long-term record by embedding these markers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window for drugs and alcohol spanning up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, it is not easy to tamper with, and it is simple to send off for analysis.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This phase ensures that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any further data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening economically aids in ruling out drug use for most samples, positive screenings require confirmation to be legally viable. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation step.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in urine or oral fluid methodologies, rendering hair drug screening particularly challenging to perform.
Confirmation of positive screening results involves techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with urine testing, the former stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer extended detection windows and make it more challenging for participants to cheat, unlike traditional urine tests.
Employers in Middleburg, VA, find hair testing advantageous due to its ability to reflect prolonged drug usage patterns, setting a higher standard of reliability than urine tests in substance detection.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers in Middleburg, VA, with comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history.
This extensive detection period enables employers to make more informed decisions regarding applicants and current employees, enhancing the overall safety and compliance of their workplace environment.
Hair follicle tests are remarkably resistant to tampering, reducing opportunities for adulteration and ensuring that results remain reliable and unquestionable in Middleburg, VA.
This robust testing method provides peace of mind to employers and institutions, knowing that the integrity of the test results is maintained throughout the process, safeguarding against potential manipulation attempts.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers, including locations in Middleburg, VA, ensures that testing is quick, easy, and accessible for everyone, reducing the hassle associated with test administration.
Individuals and companies alike appreciate the simplicity of accessing testing services through numerous well-located centers, facilitating the process of maintaining drug-free policies.
Accredited Drug Testing in Middleburg, VA, provides a simple and confidential process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results, prioritizing privacy and ease of use for all participants.
This straightforward procedure ensures that individuals can undergo testing without concerns about their personal information, maintaining integrity and discretion throughout the testing process.
With competitive pricing structures, Accredited Drug Testing in Middleburg, VA, offers affordable options for hair follicle testing, combined with fast turnaround times for results.
This approach provides excellent value and peace of mind for employers of all sizes, ensuring that cost-effective drug testing is accessible while maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability.
Middleburg, VA, residents choose hair follicle drug tests for their precision and speed. The process delivers fast results, and the accuracy in detecting substances is undisputedly high, ensuring reliable outcomes.
With the rapid turnaround times of hair testing, individuals and businesses can expect prompt and accurate results, providing confidence in the substance detection process.
Employers in Middleburg, VA, benefit from hair follicle testing for ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks, and enhancing workplace safety and security.
This testing method supports a culture of safety and adherence to regulations, offering peace of mind to employers that their work environment remains secure and compliant with drug policies.
