Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is seen as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands provide extended insight into the history of substance use, as they store biomarkers within the strands. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, making it less susceptible to tampering and convenient for transportation.
For an ideal screening and confirmation sample, a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp is needed to obtain 100mg of hair. For EtG tests, additional analyses, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where the sample is integrated into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry that the electronic chain of custody system hasn't provided.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for potential drug use. Even though Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive Screen must be substantiated to be legally accepted. Every sample that tests positive in the Screening phase necessitates further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
To confirm any positive Screening result, procedures like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples that test presumptive positive undergo washing before Confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine samples in Mountain Road, VA, various benefits emerge. Accuracy and reliability are leading advantages, with hair tests offering superior detection over time. This method incorporates an effective observational collection, minimizing cheating opportunities and presenting a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history, significantly benefitting employers.
The hair follicle testing in Mountain Road, VA is unparalleled in detecting substance use over an extended period. Capable of examining up to 90 days of history, it provides employers insights into long-term substance use patterns, moving beyond the limited scope of traditional testing.
In Mountain Road, VA, utilizing hair follicle testing diminishes the risk of sample adulteration. The method's inherent tamper-resistance ensures that the obtained results are reliable and unquestionable, making it ideal for sensitive scenarios where maintaining testing integrity is paramount.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Mountain Road, VA, drug testing becomes straightforward and hassle-free. The accessibility of these centers guarantees that employers and individuals receive timely, efficient, and seamless testing services without unnecessary inconvenience.
Mountain Road, VA offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step is designed to protect personal information and make the experience stress-free, ensuring participant comfort.
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times characterize hair follicle testing services in Mountain Road, VA, providing exceptional value to businesses. This affordability coupled with the prompt delivery of results supports companies of all sizes in maintaining a secure workplace without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests in Mountain Road, VA provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring efficiency and dependability in detecting substance use. These tests stand out for their precision in identifying a wide range of substances, reducing uncertainty and offering clarity to employers and other stakeholders requiring stringent testing protocols.
Employers in Mountain Road, VA can achieve compliance and gain peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal exposures and promoting safety. It ensures that the workforce adheres to occupational standards, minimizing risks associated with drug use.
