Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations are increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-standing record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with around 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, suitable for analysis and verification. For more comprehensive tests such as EtG, additional panels, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term 'head hair' refers solely to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially integrated into the lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data processing absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug presence in most samples; however, a positive screen must be validated to be court-admissible. Any samples with a tentative positive result in Screening require additional confirmation.
In cases of tentative positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves deriving drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Seven Corners, VA
Hair testing has numerous advantages over urine tests. Firstly, it offers a much longer detection window, making it possible to identify drug use over an extended period. Furthermore, its accuracy surpasses that of urine testing, ensuring that detection is more reliable.
Hair follicle testing is far superior due to its resilience against tampering, providing employers and authorities in Seven Corners a more dependable assessment methodology compared to conventional urine testing methods.
Extended Detection Window in Seven Corners, VA
One significant advantage of hair follicle tests is their ability to trace drug usage over the course of 90 days. This offers employers a detailed perspective on a candidate's or employee's history of substance use, unlike traditional testing methods.
The extended detection window of hair tests allows for more comprehensive insights into one's drug use history. In Seven Corners, VA, this translates to better-informed decisions, aiding organizations in maintaining a drug-free environment effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Seven Corners, VA
Another remarkable benefit of hair follicle testing is its resilience against sample tampering. The method provides a reliable shield against any attempts to alter results, ensuring consistent accuracy and peace of mind in test outcomes.
Hair testing methods are designed to minimize the risks of adulteration. The residents and businesses in Seven Corners can count on these tests for their ability to deliver untainted results, ensuring integrity in results every time.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Seven Corners, VA
Our vast network of testing centers offers unmatched convenience. Whether local or nationwide, our centers guarantee efficient, accessible services anywhere, anytime.
With an array of testing facilities in Seven Corners, VA, and beyond, individuals and businesses can effortlessly access our services, enjoying hassle-free testing procedures no matter their location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Seven Corners, VA
The process of hair follicle testing is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. It ensures users experience an easy testing journey while maintaining privacy throughout.
From ordering to receiving results, every step is straightforward and secure. This ensures that individuals in Seven Corners are provided with both ease of use and reassurance in the handling of their sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Seven Corners, VA
We offer competitive pricing for our hair testing services, paired with rapid result processing. This combination ensures maximum value, making our services accessible for organizations ranging from small businesses to large corporations.
The efficient turnaround times offered at competitive rates provide the companies in Seven Corners, VA, exceptional value, ensuring they receive the quality and reassurance they seek without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Seven Corners, VA
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their precision and rapidity in providing conclusive results. The testing methodology is engineered to detect even the smallest traces of substances, highlighting its superior accuracy compared to traditional methods.
This efficiency ensures that individuals and institutions receive highly trustworthy results promptly, reinforcing both trust and reliability.
In modern screening practices, hair follicle tests stand out for their efficiency. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, results are both fast and dependable, allowing organizations and individuals in Seven Corners to rely on the test's findings for making informed decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Seven Corners, VA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing associated legal implications. This contributes to a safer, more reliable work environment.
In Seven Corners, VA, adopting hair follicle testing provides employers with the assurance of compliance with workplace norms, ensuring a productive and secure working atmosphere for all employees.