Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has gained traction as an effective method for identifying substance use of both drugs and alcohol. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for these substances. It's easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
To obtain the ideal sample for analysis and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) comprising around 200 hairs closest to the scalp will weigh 100mg. For tests involving EtG, added elements, or more than ten panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. The use of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be taken. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types such as facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing protocol encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This incorporates validating the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data inputs not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary examination for drugs. Though a cost-efficient measure for excluding drug usage in most samples, a favorable screening outcome necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Any samples preliminarily positive in the Screening phase require a further confirmation step.
In instances of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original sample in preparation for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair in much lesser concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process, if needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the criteria of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in South Riding, VA, there are noticeable advantages. Hair tests offer superior detection precision, providing increased reliability.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in South Riding, VA, offers comprehensive history insights into an individual's substance use.
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of adulterated samples in South Riding, VA, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
The convenience of testing in South Riding, VA, is elevated with our widespread nationwide centers. This ensures an effortless and timely access to drug testing services.
In South Riding, VA, the process from ordering to receiving results is streamlined to ensure confidentiality and ease.
Offering competitive pricing in South Riding, VA, combined with rapid results, our services present a great value proposition for businesses of all sizes.
In South Riding, VA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swift results. These tests ensure a high degree of accuracy when identifying substance use, making them a preferred choice for those looking for reliable testing.
In South Riding, VA, hair follicle testing assists employers to comply with drug-free workplace regulations, diminishing legal threats while enhancing employee safety.
