Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Evaluated as a reliable means, hair testing is advantageous for tracking drug and alcohol consumption. Hair chronicles an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing indicators within the expanding hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over an approximately 3-month period. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing roughly 200 strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise measuring the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, the focus is strictly on scalp hair. Body hair is defined as all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Brief on Procedure
The four pivotal phases in the lab processing of drug tests include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial task of incorporating a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legal admission. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening need an additional confirmation step.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair from the primary sample is extracted and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes a rinse before Confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is examined as per the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug assessments:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the procedure evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Midlothian, VA, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing with its superior detection capabilities. Compared to traditional methods, hair tests provide enhanced accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Midlothian, VA offers an extended detection window for substance use, spanning up to 90 days. For employers seeking thorough reviews, this method is invaluable.
In Midlothian, VA, hair follicle testing stands as a tamper-resistant testing method. Minimizing risks of alteration offers credible testing solutions.
With local and convenient nationwide testing centers in Midlothian, VA, hair follicle testing remains accessible. Efficient access to centers facilitates hassle-free testing.
Our hair follicle testing in Midlothian, VA involves a simple, confidential process. Assurance of privacy from start to finish boosts confidence.
Through competitive pricing and quick turnaround, our hair follicle testing in Midlothian, VA offers affordability. Value-driven outcomes make our service appealing to all sizes of businesses.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Midlothian, VA ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision in identifying substance use provides significant benefits.
Employers in Midlothian, VA find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Cohesive practices mitigate legal issues and enhance safety.
