Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives extensive data on alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch chunk of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab handling of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and sent, tagging it with a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry not recorded by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for illicit substances. Though it's a budget-friendly method for ruling out drugs in most cases, a positive screen must be affirmed to hold up in legal scenarios. Any specimen preliminarily positive in Screening necessitates additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is retrieved from the primary collection for Extraction. In this process, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than alternative techniques (like urine or oral fluids), making hair testing a complex methodology.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially testing positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and attested to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Richlands, VA, the advantages are clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability as they assess a longer history of substance use. This method ensures comprehensive insights into drug habits, leaving urine tests lagging with their shorter detection windows and higher susceptibility to manipulation.
Hair follicle testing in Richlands, VA, offers an extended detection window, analyzing drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe provides a thorough perspective on an applicant or employee's substance use history, allowing employers to gain deeper insights into behavior patterns that could affect workplace safety and productivity.
In Richlands, VA, hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering, delivering reliable and indisputable results. The test's design makes it significantly harder to adulterate compared to other methods, ensuring that the results truly reflect the individual's drug use history without the possibility of deception.
Accredited Drug Testing makes it convenient to access testing services with locations nationwide, including Richlands, VA. Our network of centers ensures that testing is quick, easy, and hassle-free, providing clients with ample options and flexibility when needing to undergo a test or send employees for screening.
The process of hair follicle testing in Richlands, VA, is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is simple, addressing concerns about privacy and ease of use. Your information remains protected, and the non-invasive nature of the test further simplifies the experience.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Richlands, VA, stands out as an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective structure ensures that high-quality testing remains accessible, providing peace of mind and value without compromising on quality or accuracy.
In Richlands, VA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their high precision in detecting substance use, thanks to an effective mechanism that thoroughly screens for drug metabolites within the hair shaft. This precision ensures a dependable analysis, making them a preferred choice for many organizations seeking trustworthy testing solutions.
Employers in Richlands, VA, can experience compliance and peace of mind by using hair follicle testing. This method helps in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks, and enhancing overall workplace safety. The reassurance that employees are drug-free fosters a secure and productive working environment for all staff members.
