Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can deliver up to an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If head hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps included in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This step entails confirming that the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, swift check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be acceptable in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.
When contrasting hair follicle analysis with urine testing in Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, the former emerges superior due to its unmatched accuracy and reliability. Its ability to detect long-term drug use is particularly beneficial in various assessment settings.
The enhanced detection capabilities make hair tests a preferred choice for ensuring compliance with drug-free policies, making them a valuable tool for employers and legal entities alike.
Hair follicle tests in Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, provide an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive look at an individual's substance use history. This prolonged detection period surpasses that of typical urine tests, ensuring a thorough review process.
This attribute is essential for workplace safety and policy adherence, giving a clear view of an employee's or applicant's long-term drug habits.
In Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant solution, significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This method safeguards test integrity, providing reliable and credible results.
This level of security assures employers and relevant entities of the authenticity of tests, bringing peace of mind with every collected sample.
With locations nationwide, including Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, accessing hair follicle testing services is both effortless and convenient. This widespread availability ensures quick and hassle-free testing processes.
Our local centers provide an efficient service, making it easy for both individuals and businesses to meet their testing needs without unnecessary delays.
In Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy every step of the way. From ordering tests to delivery of results, each phase is designed for user convenience.
This consistency in confidentiality addresses any privacy concerns, making the entire testing experience stress-free and accommodating.
In Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, the competitive pricing of our hair follicle testing services, combined with quick result turnaround, offers tremendous value for businesses of any scale.
Our pricing model is designed to be budget-friendly while not compromising on the quality and accuracy of results, making it an attractive option for employer screening programs.
In Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and rapid turnaround. These tests boast exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use, delivering results swiftly, and with high reliability.
Employers value the quick and detailed results, which help in making informed decisions without delay. Such efficiency is instrumental in maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, allows employers to adhere to drug-free workplace policies confidently. This method reduces legal exposure and enhances overall job site safety.
Compliance not only ensures a secure working environment but also boosts the morale of employees, knowing that everyone is held accountable for their actions.