Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term chemical evidence of alcohol and other drugs, integrating these markers into the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reflect a detection timeframe of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to manipulate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not addressed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be legally valid. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration versus other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive results from the screening stage are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptive positive are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle tests over urine tests in Stafford Courthouse, VA? Hair testing surpasses traditional methods with enhanced detection accuracy and dependability.
The benefits of hair follicle testing include superior reliability, detecting substances over extended periods, and the inability to tamper with results. It's a preferred choice for stricter enforcement of drug-free environments.
Hair follicle testing in Stafford Courthouse, VA offers an extended detection window, monitoring drug use for up to 90 days.
This comprehensive detection period allows employers to thoroughly evaluate an individual’s substance history, providing a broader perspective compared to shorter-term testing methods like urine analysis.
In Stafford Courthouse, VA, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant testing method that minimizes sample manipulation risks.
Due to its meticulous collection process, hair testing ensures the integrity and reliability of results, offering peace of mind that traditional methods may not consistently deliver.
Convenience is key with our numerous testing centers, including those in Stafford Courthouse, VA, ensuring hassle-free access to drug testing services.
With our widespread presence, individuals have the flexibility to choose from nationwide locations, making the testing process straightforward and efficient.
The hair follicle testing process in Stafford Courthouse, VA, is simple and confidential, ensuring private and effortless access to testing and results.
From ordering to obtaining results, the streamlined process respects privacy, addressing concerns about ease of use and personal data security.
In Stafford Courthouse, VA, enjoy cost-effective pricing and rapid turnaround times with our hair follicle testing.
Our competitive pricing models and quick results offer excellent value, making this reliable testing option accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Experience the advantages of fast, precise, and trustworthy results in Stafford Courthouse, VA. Hair follicle tests highlight their accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring swift and dependable outcomes.
The precision of hair follicle analysis allows for effective detection of various substances. This advanced method provides reliable data, making it an ideal choice for organizations and individuals seeking dependable results quickly.
Employers in Stafford Courthouse, VA can achieve compliance and security through the use of hair follicle testing.
By endorsing this method, companies can confidently uphold drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal vulnerabilities and fostering a safe working environment.