Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a time-long record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a roughly 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair gathering is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, comprised of approximately 200 strands (about equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. 'Head hair' pertains solely to scalp hair. 'Body hair' encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result mainly includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation stages.
Accessioning involves the initial input of a sample into a lab’s system. This ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any lacking data entry from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a court-admissible result requires confirmation of any positive screen. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows a tentative positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. In this step, drugs are removed from hair at lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the most complex method.
Any positive Screening findings are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before necessary confirmation. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Motley, VA
Hair testing offers a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests through vastly improved detection accuracy and reliability. The ability to uncover drug usage over extended periods allows for more comprehensive insights. Hair analysis also mitigates the risks associated with tampering or contamination, presenting a more robust option for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Motley, VA
The significant detection period of hair follicle testing, which can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, presents substantial advantages for employers. It provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, crucial for informed decision-making in hiring and ongoing employee evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Motley, VA
Hair follicle tests offer a remarkable level of sample integrity by minimizing the risk of tampering. Unlike urine tests, the hair testing process ensures credibility and secure results, eliminating doubts about sample contamination or manipulation and providing unquestioned reliability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Motley, VA
With an extensive network of testing centers, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. These strategically located facilities enable quick and convenient testing, ensuring ease for both employers and individuals nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Motley, VA
The straightforward procedure for conducting hair follicle drug tests prioritizes confidentiality and ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, the process is designed to protect individual privacy while maintaining seamless user experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Motley, VA
Competitive pricing and rapid result processing highlight the value offered by hair follicle testing. These attributes provide excellent service and peace of mind, catering to businesses of all sizes while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Motley, VA
In professional settings, the need for precise testing is critical. Hair follicle drug tests serve as impeccable tools for substance detection due to their high accuracy rate and speedy outcomes. Their ability to provide detailed insights within a short timeframe makes them an excellent choice for employers seeking reliable testing solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Motley, VA
Employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thus enhancing safety and reducing potential legal issues. This method offers employers peace of mind knowing that they maintain a compliant, secure working environment.
