Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can indicate drug or alcohol use for up to about a 3-month span. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for performing screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The four key stages in processing a drug test result at the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial procedure of entering a sample into the laboratory system. This entails verifying correct sealing and shipping of the sample, distributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screening result must be confirmed to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples that test as presumptively positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test as presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Hair testing in Mount Hermon, VA surpasses urine testing in several ways.
One major advantage is the accuracy and reliability in substance detection.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair tests provide enhanced detection accuracy.
This results in a more dependable analysis, crucial for various organizational needs.
Hair follicle tests offer a wide detection window, extending up to 90 days, in Mount Hermon, VA.
Employers receive a comprehensive view of a candidate or employee's long-term drug use.
This extended timeline ensures an in-depth understanding of substance history.
Such insights can lead to informed decision-making in hiring practices and more.
In Mount Hermon, VA, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method of drug screening.
This testing greatly reduces sample adulteration risk, yielding reliable results.
The stringent collection process ensures authenticity, and bolstered by advanced technology,
the results remain unquestionable and dependable for all organizational needs.
Residents in Mount Hermon, VA, benefit from our comprehensive network of testing centers.
This allows for swift, easy access to testing anywhere nationwide.
Whether local or statewide, our locations provide hassle-free, convenient services.
We ensure seamless testing procedures, contributing to a streamlined process for all clients.
In Mount Hermon, VA, our drug testing process is straightforward and confidential.
This alleviates concerns surrounding privacy and simplifies the overall experience.
Clients appreciate the ease of ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results.
Confidentiality and simplicity are upheld in each step, ensuring comfort and trust.
In Mount Hermon, VA, our pricing is competitive, matched with fast turnaround times.
We provide excellent value, catering to companies of varying sizes.
Our affordable solutions allow businesses to maintain drug-free workplaces with ease.
Quick results and reasonable costs translate into operational efficiencies and peace of mind.
The hair follicle test is known for its precision and rapid results, making it a top choice in Mount Hermon, VA.
Clients value its unparalleled accuracy when detecting substance use, offering peace of mind.
The test efficiently identifies substances, confirming its status as a fast, reliable method.
Its precision helps uphold workplace integrity and adherence to safety standards.
Hair follicle testing in Mount Hermon, VA aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free policies.
It reduces legal risks and elevates workplace safety.
Employers find peace of mind using this testing method, ensuring policies are adhered to.
By fostering a secure environment, it benefits both the organization and its employees.
