Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands hold a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair is a suitable alternative. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab procedure for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing phase where a sample is entered into the lab system. This phase verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary scan for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be considered for legal proceedings. Samples testing positively in Screening need additional verification.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Moseley, VA is a reflection of superior detection efficacy. Hair analysis offers a longer detection window compared to traditional urine tests, making it a reliable choice for identifying patterns of drug use over time. This advantage ensures it's nearly impossible to falsify results, thus maintaining high accuracy.
Extended Detection Window in Moseley, VA highlights hair follicle testing's potency by assessing drug use over a lengthy period of up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe offers employers a deep dive into an applicant's or employee's drug history, providing them with a substantial understanding of substance use habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Moseley, VA underlines how hair follicle tests enhance reliability by minimizing the chance of sample adulteration. The methodology ensures accurate and credible outcomes that reinforce the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Moseley, VA emphasize accessibility with numerous centers simplifying the testing procedure. This extensive network provides easy, fast, and stress-free access to essential testing services for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Moseley, VA assures users that the process of ordering, completing, and receiving results is both straightforward and private. This consideration addresses any potential privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Moseley, VA further concretize the value provided by competitive pricing and expedited service delivery, offering great advantages to businesses of all sizes with the promise of efficiency and affordability.
Fast and Reliable Results in Moseley, VA provide confidence with hair follicle drug tests known for their high precision. These tests rapidly determine substance use patterns with unparalleled accuracy. This level of efficiency offers peace of mind to employers aiming for the most trustworthy evaluation methods for substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Moseley, VA is supported through hair follicle testing by adhering to workplace safety and drug-free policies. This testing format reduces legal risks, upholding the highest standards of compliance and enhancing overall workplace security.
