Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now widely regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers as it grows, thus offering a long-term record of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, the detection period for substances like alcohol can extend up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple for transportation.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil), which is near the scalp, yields around 100mg of hair—ideal for testing and confirmation. For additional testing such as EtG or panels beyond ten, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair should be used. Here, "head hair" specifically means scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test outcomes involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample first gets processed into the lab’s system. This phase includes checking the sample’s sealing and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial, brisk assessment for substance abuse. As a cost-efficient approach, it clears most samples of drug use; however, confirmed results are necessary for legal proceedings. Samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should Screening suggest a positive, additional hair from the initial sample undergoes Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in alternate methods like urine or saliva, establishing hair drug screening as the most complex methodology.
Confirmation for any positive results follows via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before this step if needed. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair testing over traditional urine analysis are clear in Penhook, VA. Hair follicle testing's superior detection accuracy and reliability offer immense benefits.
Why Hair Testing Leads
Hair follicle testing in Penhook, VA extends the detection window significantly, presenting a comprehensive view of a person's substance history over 90 days.
Extended Awareness
Hair follicle testing in Penhook, VA is a robust solution against sample tampering risks, yielding trustworthy and definitive outcomes.
Reduction of Tampering
Our widespread testing locations, encompassing Penhook, VA, make accessing drug testing services convenient and seamless.
Ease of Access
In Penhook, VA, the process for hair follicle drug testing is straightforward and private, tailored to respect user confidentiality.
Simplified Procedure
Penhook, VA's rapid service and affordable hair follicle drug testing assure excellent value, meeting the needs of organizations of varying sizes.
Value and Speed
For those in Penhook, VA, hair follicle drug tests deliver prompt and highly reliable results. The precision of these tests is unmatched, efficiently determining substance use within a comprehensive detection window.
Accuracy is Enhanced
In Penhook, VA, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies in workplaces is facilitated by hair follicle testing, offering peace of mind.
Ensuring Compliance