Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates long-term consumption data of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window for alcohol and drugs that can extend to roughly three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp is recommended to yield 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of introducing a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't cover.
Screening is an initial quick examination for drugs of abuse. Although screening is a cost-effective measure to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be considered valid in legal situations. Samples presumptively positive during screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further extraction. At this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most complex technique to administer.
Any positive results from screening undergo confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Scotland, VA, the benefits are clear. Hair testing offers a superior detection period and accuracy, making it the preferred choice for many employers and courts. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can detect drug use over a much longer timeframe, providing a comprehensive substance-use history. Employers dedicated to maintaining a strict drug-free policy often choose hair testing for its reliability.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Scotland, VA, proves invaluable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, hair tests give employers a more complete picture, supporting more informed employment decisions. This extended timeframe allows employers to better gauge an applicant or employee's commitment to remaining drug-free.
Hair follicle testing in Scotland, VA, stands out for significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Such tamper-resistant methods ensure the authenticity of collected samples, leading to reliable and unquestionable results. The observed collection procedure further diminishes the possibility of cheating, giving employers confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
With convenient testing centers both nationwide and locally in Scotland, VA, getting a hair follicle drug test is quick and hassle-free. Our expansive network ensures that no matter where you are, high-quality testing services are within easy reach. This accessibility leads to efficient and reliable testing experiences for all.
Our hair follicle testing process in Scotland, VA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving the results is streamlined, ensuring that confidentiality and privacy concerns are addressed, providing ease of mind during the testing experience.
Employers in Scotland, VA, can count on competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests, which provide excellent value. With quick result delivery, companies of all sizes can benefit from budget-friendly options that do not compromise on quality or reliability.
The effectiveness of hair follicle drug tests in Scotland, VA, is unmatched due to their high precision in identifying substance use. Precision is crucial when employers need reliable data on an individual's drug history, and hair tests deliver just that. The swift results you receive ensure decisions are based on facts, contributing to an improved workplace environment.
In Scotland, VA, hair follicle testing supports employers in adhering to workplace drug-free policies, thus mitigating legal and safety risks. By choosing this method, employers can trust that their compliance is upheld, allowing peace of mind that fosters a safer, more productive work environment.
