Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a vital approach for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers an extended timeline of substance exposure by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair testing can detect drugs and alcohol for a duration of up to three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil provides 100mg, which is the ideal sampling size for both initial screens and confirmations. For EtG tests, more panels than 10, or extra additives, a 150mg sample is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair refers to other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process of a hair drug test encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating the sample into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any extra data entry that isn't part of an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. It's a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in many samples, yet any positive screening requires confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples showing presumptive positives during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For any positive results in the Screening, additional hair from the original sample is processed for Extraction. This phase removes drugs from hair in much smaller quantities than urine or oral fluid testing, which is why hair drug testing is notably challenging to conduct.
Positive results from the screening are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation, if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Quantico, VA, hair follicle testing clearly surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers an extended detection period, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history. Due to its comprehensive nature, employers find hair tests more effective in identifying long-term drug use, compared to the limited timeframe urine tests cover.
Employers in Quantico, VA, benefit from the extended detection window of up to 90 days offered by hair follicle tests. This comprehensive coverage allows for a more thorough assessment of an applicant or employee's substance use over a significant period, providing a detailed history for informed decision making.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Quantico, VA, significantly minimizes the risk of sample manipulation. This reliability ensures trustworthy results that stand up to scrutiny, making it a preferred choice for organizations needing reliable drug testing methods devoid of adulteration.
Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenient access to hair follicle testing nationwide, including Quantico, VA. The widespread availability ensures that individuals and businesses can access testing services quickly and without hassle, wherever they are located.
Enjoy a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Quantico, VA. The straightforward procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving results addresses privacy concerns and guarantees ease of use, reassuring individuals and employers of their discretion.
We offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Quantico, VA. Our competitive pricing and quick delivery of results provide exceptional value, accommodating the needs of companies of all sizes and ensuring peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in Quantico, VA, are known for their speed and precision. Accurate and rapid results make this testing method ideal for employers and individuals seeking reliable substance use detection. With high confidence in the results, hair testing stands out as the premier choice for those needing conclusive evidence of drug use.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Quantico, VA, ensures compliance with workplace policies and promotes a safer work environment. Peace of mind is achieved as companies reduce legal risks and uphold drug-free standards, ensuring a safer and more efficient workplace.
