Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a corresponding amount of body hair can be utilized. The term 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair. 'Body hair' encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where the sample is processed into the laboratory's system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive result at this stage must be verified for court acceptance. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening require further confirmation.
Should the sample test presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves the extraction of drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Painter, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests significantly. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and dependability, revealing substance use over an extended window. This method outmatches urine tests, giving employers and professionals a more reliable indicator of habitual drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Painter, VA extends the detection window for drug use up to 90 days. This ability grants employers a thorough evaluation of a potential or current employee's drug use history, offering a comprehensive overview unobtainable with shorter detection methods like urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in Painter, VA offer a robust defense against tampering, dramatically lowering instances of sample adulteration. Their design ensures results that are dependable and indisputable, providing a trustworthy picture of an individual's substance use.
With a network of accessible testing locations nationwide, including Painter, VA, clients receive speedy and hassle-free service. The convenience of quick access to testing centers allows for a seamless process, accommodating busy schedules efficiently.
In Painter, VA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing, and result retrieval, the simple procedure respects participants' privacy, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Painter, VA's hair follicle testing is competitively priced, offering rapid turnaround times that promise excellent value and satisfaction. Companies of varying sizes benefit from these affordable options and prompt services, fostering confidence and value.
The hair follicle drug tests in Painter, VA offer unmatched precision and speed. The high level of accuracy ensures that substance use is detected effectively, providing users with quick and reliable results. With the capability to deliver fast insights, these tests are ideal for those who require the most accurate data in a timely fashion.
By employing hair follicle testing, Painter, VA employers can ensure adherence to workplace drug-free regulations, mitigating legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. This practice supports compliance initiatives, yielding peace of mind for businesses.
