Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers in its growing strands, offering an extensive history of substance usage. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over a period of up to 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches containing around 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial processing of a sample in a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial quick test for drug misuse. Although Screening economically rules out drug use in most samples, any positive results must be confirmed for courtroom validity. All samples showing presumptive positivity need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva tests), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive test result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand rather than the roots beneath the scalp.
In Oriskany, VA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests for drug detection. Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing lies in its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide an extended detection window over urine tests, capturing a broader timeline of substance use within the body. Employers and courts benefit from these detailed insights as they adhere to zero-tolerance policies with enhanced testing tools.
Hair follicle testing in Oriskany, VA offers a significant advantage: an Extended Detection Window. Its capability to reveal drug usage over an extended period, up to 90 days, provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. This aspect of hair testing delivers a comprehensive view, vital for making informed decisions about potential hires or current employees.
The Tamper-Resistant Testing Method employed by hair follicle tests in Oriskany, VA drastically cuts down the chance of sample manipulation. This method ensures the testing results are reliable and beyond dispute, offering peace of mind. Tamper-proof attributes make hair testing a secure choice for employers and organizations striving for rigorous substance use assessments.
In Oriskany, VA, access to hair drug testing is simplified through Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations. These centers ensure that testing is a quick and effortless process. Local facilities combined with nationwide reach allow for seamless service, making it easy for clients to undertake required tests without stress or inconvenience.
The hair follicle testing process in Oriskany, VA is characterized by its Simple, Confidential Process. From ordering a test to receiving the results, the procedure maintains privacy and user-friendliness. Instructions are clear to ensure ease of use, meeting privacy expectations, and efficiently addressing any apprehensions clients may have about confidentiality.
Offering Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oriskany, VA, hair follicle testing solutions stand out for their value. Competitive pricing structures are tailored to fit companies of varying sizes, coupled with swift turnaround times for results. This combination ensures that organizations receive excellent service without a hefty price tag, meeting both budgetary and operational needs.
In Oriskany, VA, the hair follicle drug tests are designed for precision and speed. Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results enhance the detection of various substances within the body. The high accuracy rate of these tests ensures that the information on substance use is both dependable and swift, allowing for prompt decision-making. Hair tests are adept at analyzing drug or alcohol use efficiently.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Oriskany, VA delivers significant benefits related to Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers. Such testing methods aid businesses in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal liabilities. Additionally, they enhance workplace safety by guaranteeing a committed adherence to substance use regulations, fostering a secure environment.
