Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, it can reveal a usage history of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields approximately 100mg, which is optimal for testing purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory procedure consists of four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a specimen into the lab’s framework. It involves confirming proper packaging and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any incomplete data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as an initial assessment for substance misuse. Although it is an economical approach for ruling out drug consumption across most samples, any positive indication requires validation before being legally admissible. Samples that test positive at this stage need additional verification.
Should the Screening yield a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations far lower than other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Midland, VA recognizes the superiority of hair follicle tests over traditional urine testing methods. Comparing both, hair tests outshine with high accuracy, detecting drugs even months after use. Unlike urine tests, which might miss recent substance intake, hair testing offers a clearer, more definitive picture for employers and professionals alike.
The advantage of hair follicle testing in Midland, VA lies in its long detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers not only a historic insight into an applicant's substance use but also an extended overview of behavioral patterns. Such comprehensive detection capabilities offer a strategic advantage in maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Midland, VA significantly reduces tampering risks, thanks to its robust sample integrity. Unlike other testing methods where manipulation or substitution is common, hair testing provides unquestionable results, establishing a reliable foundation for all stakeholders seeking indisputable drug testing outcomes.
Midland, VA benefits from an extensive network of testing centers, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing services nationwide. This widespread availability simplifies the process, making it convenient for individuals and companies to receive testing without the hassle of locating specialized centers, reinforcing ease and accessibility.
In Midland, VA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering a test to taking it and receiving results, the process is seamlessly designed with privacy concerns addressed at every step. Users can be assured of a smooth experience that prioritizes discretion and ease of use, enhancing participant confidence.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround, hair follicle drug testing in Midland, VA presents companies with excellent value. Achieving cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality ensures that businesses, irrespective of size, can benefit from reliable testing services that provide reassurance and financial efficiency.
Hair follicle testing in Midland, VA ensures swift, precise, and trustworthy results. This advanced method excels at identifying substance use with unparalleled accuracy. Its meticulous technique not only provides fast outcomes but also leaves no room for doubt, cementing its reputation as one of the most dependable drug testing processes available.
For Midland, VA employers, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, granting peace of mind. By minimizing legal risks and guaranteeing a safer work environment, employers benefit from heightened security and compliance, enhancing overall workplace safety and productivity through reliable drug testing measures.
