Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair can reveal a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair can show evidence of alcohol and drug use for up to roughly three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily packaged for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from nearby the scalp, results in 100mg—the optimal amount for screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advisable. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar volume of body hair is an alternative. Note that head hair specifically denotes scalp hair alone. Body hair is inclusive of all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test follows four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially entered into the lab’s system, where its seal and shipment integrity are confirmed, a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any necessary data not already covered by an electronic chain of custody is logged.
Screening offers a preliminary evaluation for potential drug abuse. While cost-efficient, a positive result in Screening must undergo further confirmation for legal validity. Any initial positive findings necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In cases where the Screening stage indicates a potential positive, more hair is extracted from the sample to prepare for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations much lower than those used in alternatives like urine or saliva testing, making hair analysis particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screen is pursued through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any sample with a presumptive positive is cleansed before confirmation if required. The cumulative lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the method examines the hair strands, not the follicles under the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sanford, VA Hair testing is unmatched in yielding precision and thoroughness compared to urine tests. With a detection window of up to 90 days, employers in Sanford favor hair tests for their ability to capture a more comprehensive history of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Sanford, VA Hair follicle tests offer an unparalleled detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This extensive timeline enables employers to gain deeper insights into an individual's substance history, ensuring a more informed decision-making process when it comes to employment prospects.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sanford, VA Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chance for any sample tampering. It serves as a reliable and thoroughly tested method, ensuring that the results remain authentic and unquestioned.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sanford, VA With our broad network of testing centers, accessibility is made easy and hassle-free in Sanford. Employers and individuals alike benefit from our swift and convenient testing services available nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sanford, VA Our testing procedure is streamlined and respects confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the entire process is designed to be simple and secure, ensuring client privacy at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sanford, VA Our competitive pricing and quick processing times ensure cost-efficiency without compromising on quality. This approach offers substantial value for organizations of varying scales, reinforcing a reliable partnership.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sanford, VA Hair follicle drug tests offer swift analysis, providing results with remarkable accuracy. This process not only detects multiple substance uses over an extended period but also ensures that the results are quick and dependable, addressing the needs of employers and individuals alike in Sanford.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sanford, VA Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal vulnerabilities and fosters a safe working environment, offering both security and assurance in maintaining a compliant team.
