Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair drug testing has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strand, offering an extended history of substances like alcohol and drugs. When sampled close to the scalp, hair analysis can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of up to 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil), equates to about 100mg, which is the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those with more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be substituted. When we mention head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step confirms the sample was secured and sent appropriately, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any extra information not available through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial check for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive findings must undergo confirmation to hold up legally. Samples with preliminary positive results require further verification through Confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial portion and processed in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is considered one of the most complex methods.
Confirmation for any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing as necessary before Confirmation. Each laboratory stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing over Urine Testing in Patrick Springs, VA Hair testing provides a superior detection period over urine tests. Unlike urine testing, which only detects recent drug use, hair tests reveal substance use over a much longer timeframe, giving employers a more complete picture of an individual's drug usage.
Employers favor hair testing for its unparalleled reliability and accuracy, whereas urine testing may sometimes yield inaccurate results due to ease of tampering.
Extended Detection Period of Hair Testing in Patrick Springs, VA Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, making it easier for employers to monitor an individual’s drug history accurately over a prolonged period.
This method provides a detailed overview of an applicant or employee's prior substance use, assisting businesses in making informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Secure and Tamper-Proof Testing in Patrick Springs, VA The methodology behind hair follicle tests sharply reduces the possibilities of sample tampering or adulteration. This ensures the results are reliable and above question, safeguarding the testing process against potential fraud.
With tamper-resistant protocols in place, hair testing provides a trustworthy evaluation of an individual’s substance use history far beyond the capability of urine tests.
Accessible Testing Locations Across and Within Patrick Springs, VA Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures that accessing testing services is convenient and straightforward, eliminating logistical issues and facilitating easy testing access.
Locally, testing in Patrick Springs, VA, is simplified through our readily available centers, promoting hassle-free experiences for all participants.
A Simple and Confidential Process in Patrick Springs, VA The process for executing hair follicle tests is straightforward, maintaining the confidentiality of individuals being tested. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is designed to be user-friendly while protecting privacy concerns.
This seamless approach promotes ease of use and reassures participants that their personal data and results remain confidential.
Budget-Friendly Pricing and Quick Results in Patrick Springs, VA Our pricing models are designed to accommodate budgets of varying sizes, offering high-value solutions alongside rapid much-needed results. This allows companies to engage in effective drug testing without incurring excessive costs.
Affordable services are paired with swift turnaround times, ensuring businesses receive timely information, crucial for decision-making processes.
Quick and Dependable Test Outcomes in Patrick Springs, VA Hair follicle drug tests boast impeccable precision and rapid results. Their high level of accuracy makes them exemplary for detecting substance use. This speed and dependability are essential for decision-making processes in workplace settings, ensuring trust and reliability.
The efficiency of hair testing provides results that are both fast and reliable. This ensures that important business decisions remain uncompromised by false negatives or positives, preserving the integrity of employment practices.
Ensuring Compliance and Confidence for Employers in Patrick Springs, VA Implementing hair follicle tests aids employers in upholding drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks, ensuring safety and compliance, and giving peace of mind to business owners regarding their workforce.
Employers can trust hair testing to endorse comprehensive and consistent drug policies with fewer discrepancies or legal challenges.
