Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Short Pump, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance consumption. The strands offer an extended history of drug and alcohol usage by encasing biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When cut near the head, hair can reveal a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hairs (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will produce 100mg, which is suitable for testing and verification. For results involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be utilized. Referring to head hair implies scalp hair exclusively, while body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure for analyzing a drug test result in the lab comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step in integrating a sample into the lab system. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and dispatch, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any unrecorded data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to discount drug use in most cases, a positive result demands confirmation to hold in legal settings. Samples that are initially positive in Screening require further validation.

If a sample tests positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a far lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.

The Confirmation process for any positive Screening results involves using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any samples that tested positive are cleaned as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to deceive: It is extremely tough to alter a hair test, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Tracks usage history: It shows a usage pattern over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair testing is often costlier compared to other drug screening techniques.
• Result variance: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Short Pump, VA

• Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy, outperforming the traditional urine tests.
• Its reliability is unmatched, with a longer detection window, key for consistent monitoring.
• Unlike urine tests, hair assessments offer an extended review of substance use, making it ideal for employers in Short Pump.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Short Pump, VA

• Hair testing is capable of uncovering drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days.
• Employers in Short Pump benefit from a thorough assessment of an applicant's or employee's substance history.
• This extended window provides deeper insights into behavioral patterns and potential risks.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Short Pump, VA

• Hair follicle tests are designed to withstand alteration attempts, ensuring the integrity of the sample.
• The method significantly decreases the chance of sample adulteration, offering unquestionable reliability.
• Short Pump residents can trust in the validity of the results, as manipulation is nearly impossible.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Short Pump, VA

• With nationwide centers, accessing testing services is made simple and hassle-free.
• Short Pump residents benefit from nearby locations, ensuring quick and easy testing access.
• We offer comprehensive coverage, minimizing delays and streamlining the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Short Pump, VA

• The process for hair testing is designed to be straightforward, maintaining confidentiality at its core.
• Ordering, taking, and receiving results are conducted with utmost privacy and ease, addressing any concerns.
• Residents in Short Pump enjoy the simplicity and security of the entire procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Short Pump, VA

• Our competitive pricing models accommodate companies of all sizes, offering excellent value.
• Quick turnaround times reinforce our commitment to efficiency, giving peace of mind with fast results.
• Short Pump businesses can rely on our cost-effective services for thorough and economical testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Short Pump, VA

• The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled, providing swift and precise results.
• The process ensures high accuracy levels, making it top-notch in detecting substance use quickly.
• Short Pump residents can rely on the expedient turnarounds, ensuring peace of mind and confidence in the outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Short Pump, VA

• By adopting hair follicle testing, employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
• This method reduces the legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety considerably.
• Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they rely on a secure and dependable testing system.

Drug Testing Near Short Pump, VA

Midlothian, VA

Chamberlayne Heights, VA

Chamberlayne, VA

Bon Air, VA

Lakeside, VA

Dumbarton, VA

Manakin, VA

Glen Allen, VA

Tuckahoe, VA

Wyndham, VA

Innsbrook, VA