Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It records a prolonged timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's structure. When collected near the scalp, it offers an approximate detection period of three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, comprising nearly 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil in thickness), is needed to acquire 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, enhanced tests, and panels exceeding ten, 150mg is advisable. It's best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be provided, similar quantities of body hair may be used. The term ‘head hair’ specifically refers to scalp hair only. 'Body hair' encompasses all other hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
There are four core phases in processing a lab-based drug result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary handling of the sample in the lab system. This includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual entries not managed by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening serves as an initial examination for substance abuse indications. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most cases, confirmation is required for positive results to be valid in legal contexts. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening move to a follow-up confirmation.
Should a Screening outcome be positive, additional hair from the original sample undergoes Extraction. Drugs are then isolated from hair at lower concentrations when compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as a challenging practice.
Confirmation of any positive Screening findings is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples remarked as presumptive positives go through a thorough cleaning before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process is reassessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 credentials.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: While the term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Staunton, VA, the advantages are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and unparalleled reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair tests showcase a wider detection window, making them exceedingly efficient for zero-tolerance policies.
In Staunton, VA, hair follicle testing is renowned for its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. Employers benefit from a more comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, fostering informed decision-making for hiring and retaining staff.
One significant advantage of hair follicle tests in Staunton, VA, is their resistance to tampering. The method involves stringent collection procedures that prevent sample adulteration. Reliability in results is guaranteed, providing employers with unquestionable outcomes that safeguard company policies.
With testing centers across the nation, including Staunton, VA, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience. Ensuring easy access to services, our nationwide presence allows for quick and hassle-free testing. Local availability guarantees that clients are never far from essential testing facilities.
In Staunton, VA, the process with hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy remains paramount. Each step ensures ease of use and confidential handling, addressing any concerns from individuals and companies about how their sensitive data is managed.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing in Staunton, VA, with rapid turnaround times. Our affordable solutions provide companies of all sizes with value. Efficient processing ensures fast cater to industry demands, offering both cost-efficiency and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests in Staunton, VA, ensure fast and precise results. Precision in detection allows for high accuracy in identifying substance use. Speed is of the essence, providing reliable outputs that are trusted by employers and legal entities alike, each time delivering dependable and consistent results.
Employers in Staunton, VA, find compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle tests. This testing method helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. Companies maintain a secure environment, minimizing the ramifications of drug use within their workforce.
