Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository of long-term alcohol and drug data by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. By collecting hair near the scalp, it is possible to achieve a detection period spanning up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drug presence. Hair sampling is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all alternate types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four key phases in processing a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although it is an economical way to discount drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal validity. Any samples deemed pseudo-positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a pseudo-positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are recovered from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Any positive result from Screening is validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All pseudo-positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is audited according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Riverview, VA, hair follicle testing proves superior to traditional urine tests for several reasons. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, capturing a substance use history up to 90 days, compared to just a few days with urine tests. This enables a broader overview of an individual's patterns.
Hair tests also minimize the chances of tampering, offering greater reliability. With their precision, employers can confidently implement drug-free policies, knowing the results reflect true substance use rather than recent abstention or manipulation.
Employers in Riverview, VA value the extensive detection window that hair follicle testing offers. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days back, these tests provide a significant advantage by offering a comprehensive view of substance use history.
This extended window ensures employers receive a thorough account of an individual’s drug use habits, aiding in making informed decisions regarding employment and maintaining workplace safety. Riverview businesses trust hair testing for its detailed insights.
Riverview, VA ensures secure testing with hair follicle examinations by significantly reducing sample adulteration risks. This testing method straightforwardly collects samples, making it hard to manipulate, leading to reliable and unquestionable results.
Hair tests provide peace of mind with their resiliency against tampering. The near-impossibility of altering or faking results during collection ensures a trustworthy assessment, safeguarding the credibility of drug testing programs.
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including ones in Riverview, VA, accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient and hassle-free. This broad network of facilities ensures that individuals can easily find a location nearby for quick testing.
Our Riverview testing locations offer flexibility and convenience. The nationwide reach guarantees reduced waiting times and swift service, making the need for reliable drug testing manageable and accessible for everyone.
In Riverview, VA, engaging in hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. The process involves simple steps: order the test, provide a discreet sample, and promptly receive the results while ensuring privacy is upheld throughout.
This user-friendly process reassures those concerned about privacy and ease. Hair follicle testing ensures confidentiality is maintained at every stage, from initial contact to receiving results, making it ideal for individuals prioritizing both accuracy and privacy.
In Riverview, VA, we offer hair follicle testing at competitive prices with a focus on quick turnaround times. These affordable options present excellent value for businesses, accommodating various needs efficiently without burdening budgets.
Companies of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective pricing. Rapid result delivery ensures timely decisions while maintaining fiscal responsibility, providing peace of mind with both financial efficiency and dependable outcomes.
Hair follicle drug testing in Riverview, VA offers unmatched precision and speed. By employing advanced technology, hair tests can quickly detect substances with high accuracy. These tests enable fast turnarounds, providing results you can trust in a timely manner.
When it comes to accurate results, hair follicle testing stands out. Unlike other methods, it offers reliable detection of various substances, ensuring employers receive dependable and prompt information about potential substance use.
In Riverview, VA, businesses turn to hair follicle testing to meet drug-free workplace compliance, substantially reducing legal challenges and enhancing work environment safety. This robust testing method aligns with company policies, promoting a culture of responsibility.
Employers achieve peace of mind through hair testing by ensuring thorough adherence to regulations. It supports legal compliance while affirming commitment to preserving a safe and productive workplace, mitigating potential risks associated with substance use.