Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the developing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged record of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, hair can deliver about a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves registering a sample into the lab's system. It includes ensuring the sample's correct sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing other necessary data entries not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court acceptability. Any samples with positive presumption in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening findings are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
Why Hair Testing is More Effective: In Ridgeway, VA, hair follicle tests outshine urine tests by offering greater accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use. Their ability to identify substances long after usage provides clearer insights into an individual's habits, making it a preferred choice for consistent drug policy enforcement.
Extended Drug Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Ridgeway, VA, offers an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This prolonged analysis period gives employers a definitive view of substance habits, helping maintain integrity in workforce management by revealing historical drug use that may not appear in other tests.
Secure and Reliable Testing Method: Hair follicle tests in Ridgeway, VA, mitigate risks of sample tampering, ensuring that results are trustworthy and clear. Unlike urine tests susceptible to adulteration, hair testing offers a robust method resistant to such interference, promoting accuracy in workplace policies.
Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide: Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience through numerous testing locations across Ridgeway, VA, and nationally. This access ensures that individuals can reach testing services promptly and easily, minimizing disruptions and catering to all your drug testing needs effortlessly.
Streamlined and Confidential Process: In Ridgeway, VA, our hair testing service offers a seamless and private experience for clients. With discreet ordering and clear communication, participants can undergo testing with peace of mind, assured of confidentiality throughout the entire process.
Competitively Priced Services: Our hair follicle testing in Ridgeway, VA, is both affordable and timely, providing excellent value for companies, regardless of their size. With quick turnaround times ensuring continuous operation, businesses can maintain pace without compromising on testing integrity.
Speed and Accuracy in Ridgeway, VA: Hair follicle testing ensures fast, precise detection of substance use, outperforming traditional methods. Its high accuracy rate gives employers confidence in results, minimizing doubts about recent drug intake and providing comprehensive reports. Ridgeway's reliable facilities guarantee results that inform safer decision-making.
Assurance for Employers: By employing hair follicle testing in Ridgeway, VA, employers can confidently comply with drug-free workplace policies. This adherence not only minimizes legal risks but also contributes to a safer working environment, enhancing company reputation and employee well-being.
