Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Canton, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair tests are recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, offering a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period for alcohol and other drugs of up to approximately 3 months. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands of hair (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective way to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be admissible in court. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample tests as presumptively positive during the Screening step, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for preparation in Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is very challenging to circumvent a hair drug test, leading to more precise results.
• Provides historical data: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over a duration, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to be noticeable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its broader detection capabilities, allowing comprehensive identification of substance use. Traditional urine tests offer a much shorter detection window, hence often missing historical drug use. In New Canton, VA, many opt for hair testing because of its accuracy and dependability in tracking drug use over several months.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to track drug consumption over an extensive timeframe. With a detection window stretching up to 90 days, individuals or businesses in New Canton, VA can attain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, aiding in more informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-resistant methodology. In New Canton, VA, these tests virtually eliminate the threat of sample tampering, ensuring reliable outcomes that aren’t easily compromised and maintaining high confidence in the results produced.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our widespread network of testing centers, including accessible locations in New Canton, VA, simplifies the procedure for all users. The convenience of nationwide availability ensures that hair follicle testing is both quick and effortless, removing any logistical hurdles in accessing necessary services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Discussing privacy and convenience, the hair follicle testing process in New Canton, VA is straightforward and discreet. From order to collection and the reception of results, every step is designed to uphold confidentiality while offering an intuitive user experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In New Canton, VA, our affordable pricing and rapid processing times offer tremendous value. Businesses, regardless of their size, benefit from competitive rates that don’t sacrifice the speed or accuracy of results, emphasizing reliability and cost-efficiency in one package.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In New Canton, VA, the swiftness and precision of hair follicle testing are unmatched. With high accuracy in detecting a range of substances, results from these tests are not only reliable but also delivered in a timely manner, providing employers with prompt insight into potential substance use among candidates or current employees.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in New Canton, VA enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and bolsters job site safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that the testing process aligns with stringent industry standards.

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