Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is uncomplicated, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment from about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of processing a drug test result in the laboratory comprises four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes its initial intake into the laboratory’s system. This phase includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-saving technique to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be verified for it to be legally valid. Samples returning presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. This involves drawing out drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the scalp
In Monterey, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by providing unparalleled detection capabilities. While urine tests are popular for their immediacy, hair testing offers superior accuracy over a more extended period, ensuring that substance use is reliably identified. Hair testing's advantage is its comprehensive approach, capturing a longer timeline and offering greater reliability in both employment and legal scenarios.
Hair follicle testing in Monterey, VA, provides an extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This expansive timeframe allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s past substance use, providing a clear picture of their historical behavior. It’s a vital tool for maintaining workplace safety and making informed decisions about potential or current employees.
In Monterey, VA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing. This method drastically reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are incontestable and reliable. Its resistance to tampering provides a level of security and authenticity that employers and legal authorities can trust, making it a preferred choice for those seeking accurate testing outcomes.
With extensive local and nationwide testing locations, Monterey, VA residents benefit from convenient and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug tests. This widespread availability ensures quick and easy testing service options are within reach, addressing the needs of those seeking efficient and reliable testing. The convenience of numerous locations supports timely testing processes and accessibility.
In Monterey, VA, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease for all clients. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is designed to protect personal information and provide a seamless experience. This straightforward process supports individuals’ needs for confidential and user-friendly drug testing solutions.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Monterey, VA delivers significant value. Regardless of company size, competitive pricing structures make this service accessible while ensuring quick results. This commitment to affordability and efficiency offers peace of mind for companies, knowing that they are receiving excellent value without compromising on quality.
Monterey, VA offers hair follicle drug tests known for their rapid, precise outcomes. This method's reliability in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring that results are accurate and timely. The process is designed for efficiency, allowing for fast turnaround while maintaining high standards of precision, thus providing confidence in the outcome and making it a preferred choice for quick, accurate drug testing.
Employers in Monterey, VA, gain assurance and compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks by ensuring adherence to regulations and enhances overall workplace safety. Employers benefit from a testing method that not only fulfills legal requirements but also supports a secure and productive work environment, providing peace of mind.
