Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a prolonged history of consumption. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal usage over roughly a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
a 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug testing encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the entry of a sample into a lab’s system, verifying proper shipment and sealing, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a swift initial evaluation for drug presence. While it is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive screens require confirmation to hold up in legal contexts. Samples with presumptive positives necessitate secondary verification.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to perform.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples needing confirmation undergo washing when required. This lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited pursuant to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Stephens City, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing is not only more comprehensive but also reliable, identifying drug use within a much longer detection window than urine tests.
The primary advantage of hair follicle testing in Stephens City, VA, is its extended detection window. Unlike traditional methods, it can trace substance use for up to 90 days, granting employers a holistic understanding of an individual's substance usage over time.
In Stephens City, VA, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method of drug testing. The nature of hair testing makes it exceedingly difficult to adulterate, ensuring the results are dependable and free from manipulation.
Our locations in Stephens City, VA, along with nationwide centers, offer convenient testing solutions. No matter where you are, accessing testing services remains simple and trouble-free with our widespread network.
The hair follicle testing process in Stephens City, VA, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving the results, every step assures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns clients may have regarding the procedure.
In Stephens City, VA, we present affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. Our structure ensures excellent value and assurance for businesses of every size.
The hair follicle drug tests offered in Stephens City, VA, are known for their precision and speed. They provide fast and accurate detection of substance use. When compared to other methods, these tests offer higher accuracy, instilling confidence in the results obtained for drug screening purposes.
Employers in Stephens City, VA, gain compliance and peace of mind by using hair follicle testing. This method aids in upholding drug-free workplace policies, diminishes legal liabilities, and strengthens the overall safety of the working environment.
