Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use, as it captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection window of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and other drugs. Hair sample collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system, which includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to rule out drug usage for most samples, positive results require confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples that show presumptively positive results during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. In Extraction, drugs are separated from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although occasionally described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Leads in South Boston, VA: Unlike urine tests, hair follicle methods are lauded for their superior detection capacity and dependability. Hair samples offer insights into drug use over extended periods, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of results.
Extended Detection Capabilities in South Boston, VA: Hair follicle drug tests are remarkable for their prolonged detection potential, providing a detailed overview of substance usage for up to 90 days. This enables employers to comprehensively assess an individual's drug history, ensuring informed hiring decisions.
Anti-Adulteration Assurance in South Boston, VA: Hair follicle testing is renowned for its resilience against sample tampering, offering reliable results that can't be easily influenced. The nature of hair testing processes reduces the risks of adulteration, ensuring authenticity.
Accessible Testing Across South Boston, VA: Our network of hair testing centers ensures easy, widespread access to vital drug screening services. With locations nationwide, our presence in South Boston guarantees straightforward and quick testing procedures.
Effortless and Private Testing in South Boston, VA: Our approach to hair follicle testing prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From easy ordering to discrete testing and result delivery, your privacy is always maintained.
Value and Quick Solutions in South Boston, VA: Our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value through competitive pricing and rapid result times. We're committed to offering affordability without sacrificing quality, fitting various corporate budgets.
South Boston, VA, relies on swift and precise hair follicle drug testing for reliable substance identification. Compared to other testing methods, hair tests offer excellent accuracy, efficiently pinpointing drug usage. Their reliability rests on their precision, ensuring that results are both dependable and quickly available.
Efficiency and Trust: Our hair follicle tests are designed to provide fast outcomes without compromising accuracy, making them the preferred choice in urgent scenarios.
Enhancing Employer Compliance in South Boston, VA: By implementing hair follicle testing, employers can safeguard their drug-free policies effectively. This method not only minimizes legal liabilities but also promotes a safer work environment, ensuring a peace of mind.
