Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of drug and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the head yields 100mg of hair, representing the optimal sample for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg of the specimen is advised. We propose using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is missing, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The procedure for analyzing a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This involves validating the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening is an economical method for negating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening mandate an additional confirmation.
Should a specimen show a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are removed from the hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to undertake.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Tests Trump Urine Tests in Springfield, VA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability. They offer a longer detection window and reduce possibilities of sample tampering.
Extended Detection Period in Springfield, VA
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window, often up to 90 days. This allows employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history and promotes informed decision-making.
Reliable Tamper-Resistant Method in Springfield, VA
The hair follicle test significantly reduces the risk of tampering, offering results that are both reliable and trustworthy. This method ensures the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing in Springfield, VA
Our widespread network of testing centers nationwide ensures that testing services are accessible quickly and without hassle, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Simple and Confidential Process in Springfield, VA
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private, addressing privacy concerns while being user-friendly. It's easy to order, perform, and receive test results.
Affordable and Quick Services in Springfield, VA
We provide competitively priced testing services with fast turnaround times, offering excellent value while maintaining peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Fast and Reliable Testing in Springfield, VA
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. They excel in identifying substance use with high accuracy, ensuring that results are both rapid and dependable.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Springfield, VA
Using hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies. This not only facilitates compliance but also minimizes legal risks, ultimately boosting workplace safety.
