Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a valuable method for detecting substance and alcohol usage. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. For optimal detection, hair taken near the scalp can reveal usage patterns for up to approximately three months. It is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) sampled closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the prime sample amount suitable for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. In scenarios where scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be retrieved. In this context, head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The processing of drug tests in the laboratory comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a specimen into the lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary manual data input not covered by an electronic tracking system.
Screening performs a preliminary verification for drugs of concern. Though an economical method to determine drug presence in most cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples initially testing positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening stage, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most demanding method to execute.
Verification of any initial positive screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumed positive results undergo a washing process before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 credentials.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis conducts examination on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Shawsville, VA, hair follicle testing stands out against urine testing with its superior accuracy in detecting drugs. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair samples offer a broader detection timeframe, ensuring drug use is accurately identified over extended periods.
Additionally, hair testing is more reliable because it is less prone to temporary fluctuations common in urine samples, providing employers and individuals with dependable results.
Hair follicle testing in Shawsville, VA, offers an extended detection window, allowing employers to see up to 90 days of an individual's substance use history. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of drug habits than other tests can offer.
Such prolonged detection capacity means employers can make more informed hiring or management decisions, ensuring a safer, drug-free workplace. It serves as a powerful tool for long-term evaluation of drug use.
One of the most compelling advantages of hair follicle testing in Shawsville, VA, is its tamper-resistant nature. The samples are inherently difficult to alter compared to other testing methods, like urine tests.
This attribute ensures results are reliable and trustworthy, as the risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized. This offers individuals and organizations assurance of the authenticity of drug test outcomes.
In Shawsville, VA, utilizing our extensive network of nationwide testing centers makes accessing hair drug testing services both quick and hassle-free. Our facilities are designed for convenience, allowing individuals and employers easy testing access.
Besides offering widespread coverage, we have testing facilities locally, ensuring that getting a hair follicle test is straightforward, no matter your location. This broad accessibility makes it more manageable for everyone.
Shawsville, VA residents seeking hair drug tests can expect a simple, confidential process. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to safeguard privacy, ensuring information remains secure and private.
Our streamlined procedure provides ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns users may have. This simple process makes hair follicle testing accessible and less intrusive, prioritizing the user's confidentiality.
We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Shawsville, VA, delivering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our affordable rates ensure that our quality services are accessible to many clients.
With quick result processing, employers can swiftly make informed decisions, knowing that their investment in testing has been both wise and economical. This advantage helps maintain workplace integrity and safety efficiently.
For those in Shawsville, VA, hair follicle tests offer fast, precise, and dependable results in drug detection. These tests utilize advanced analytical techniques that significantly enhance the precision of identifying substance use, providing critical information with high reliability.
The testing process is streamlined and efficient, ensuring results are delivered promptly without compromising on accuracy. This makes hair follicle testing an ideal choice for those seeking quick yet precise evidence of drug use in Shawsville, VA.
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures that Shawsville, VA employers can maintain compliance with workplace drug policies while achieving peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, hair tests become integral to company health strategies.
Employers who enforce zero-tolerance policies can rely on the rigorous results provided by hair follicle tests, which help maintain a productive, secure work environment.
