Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair retains a historical record of drug and alcohol usage by capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When hair samples are collected close to the scalp, they can indicate alcohol and drug presence for a period extending up to about 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is uncomplicated.
Approximately 200 strands of hair, measuring 1.5 inches, and gathered closest to the scalp, amount to 100mg, the preferred quantity for proper screening and verification. If conducting tests that involve EtG, additional requirements, or over 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is advisable. If hair from the scalp isn't available, equivalent body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses other types such as facial and underarm hair.
Overview of the Process
The essential phases in the lab processing of drug test results comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage, incorporating the sample into the laboratory’s framework. This entails ensuring that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers an economical option to dismiss potential drug use in most samples, any positive findings must be substantiated to hold up in legal proceedings. Samples initially flagging positive in Screening necessitate subsequent verification.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is utilized for the Extraction process. During this stage, drug traces are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other approaches like urine or saliva samples, which makes hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Verification of any positive screening results is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives undergo washing. Each stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and is compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often misused, as the assay examines the hair strand, not the follicle itself.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shipman, VA
Extended Detection Window in Shipman, VA
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shipman, VA
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shipman, VA
Simple, Confidential Process in Shipman, VA
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shipman, VA
In Shipman, VA, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests are noteworthy. These tests deliver fast and accurate results, a vital trait for reliable substance use detection. Their efficiency ensures timely processing without sacrificing accuracy, making hair testing a superior choice over other methods.
For those in Shipman prioritizing accuracy, hair testing stands out. Its ability to detect substance use is complemented by quick turnaround times, providing precise results without delay. Businesses depend on this process for consistently reliable drug testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shipman, VA
