Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shawneeland, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. If taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.

A 1.5-inch sample with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both analysis and confirmation. For testing that includes EtG, additional parameters, or over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, this pertains exclusively to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other types of hair (like facial and axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory's processing of a drug test comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary examination of a sample into the lab’s system. This stage ensures the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screen needs additional confirmation to be acceptable in court. Any samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is collected from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most intricate methodology to conduct.

Validation of any positive screen results occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive undergo washing before validation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation follows review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug consumption for up to 90 days, while urine tests offer a shorter detection window.
• Hard to tamper with: Tampering with a hair drug test is very difficult, making the outcomes significantly accurate.
• Yields historical insights: It provides insight into drug use trends over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to manifest in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth may influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shawneeland, VA

• Hair testing offers a superior detection capability over traditional urine tests.
• Employers and institutions favor it for its proven accuracy.
• It provides a reliable overview of an individual's substance use.
• Overall, it surpasses urine testing in both precision and reliability.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Shawneeland, VA

• Hair follicle testing covers drug use history for up to 90 days.
• This extensive period helps employers make informed decisions.
• It paints a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance habits.
• Such a long window is unmatched by other testing forms like urine.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shawneeland, VA

• Hair follicle tests are difficult to adulterate.
• This method maintains the integrity of test results.
• The secure nature of the test ensures unquestionable accuracy.
• Employers can trust the results to be genuine and reliable.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shawneeland, VA

• Testing centers nationwide cater to all testing needs.
• Convenient access guarantees a hassle-free experience.
• Effortless booking and short wait times benefit clients.
• Shawneeland residents have local testing options readily available.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Shawneeland, VA

• The process is straightforward from start to finish.
• Clients enjoy a confidential and private experience.
• Privacy concerns are diligently addressed at each step.
• Order, test, and receive results with ease and assurance.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shawneeland, VA

• Our pricing is competitive and budget-friendly.
• Companies benefit from quick turnaround times.
• We offer excellent value, maintaining affordability for all.
• Prompt service ensures peace of mind for businesses of various sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shawneeland, VA

• Hair follicle tests provide rapid and precise results.
• The method stands out for its exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use.
• Clients receive quick, dependable results that aid in decision-making.
• This testing method ensures prompt and trustworthy information.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shawneeland, VA

• Using hair testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies.
• The method reduces potential legal complications.
• It enhances the safety and wellness of the workplace.
• Employers gain assurance in their drug prevention efforts.

Drug Testing Near Shawneeland, VA

McCoy, VA

Toms Brook, VA

Boyce, VA

Brucetown, VA

Strasburg, VA

Middletown, VA

Stephens City, VA

Winchester, VA

Lebanon Church, VA

Gore, VA

Shawnee Land, VA