Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair as a testing medium has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The growing hair contains fibers that can encapsulate biomarkers, thereby offering a chronological record of alcohol and drug exposure. When hair strands are collected near the scalp, they can present a detection timeframe extending up to roughly 90 days for both alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation testing. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to hair on the scalp, while body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Overview of Process
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This phase includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody.
In the Screening phase, a swift preliminary examination for drug usage is performed. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective method to eliminate drug consumption in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally accepted. Samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than found in other testing methods (for example, urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing poses significant challenges.
Positive findings from the Screening stage are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmatory testing, samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes a review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) guidelines for Hair designation and is accredited following ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of Hair Drug Testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Tiptop, VA, the advantages are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Where traditional urine tests fall short, hair tests provide an extended detection window and are less prone to tampering, ensuring more trustworthy outcomes for individuals and employers alike.
Hair follicle testing in Tiptop, VA, excels in offering an extended detection window. This method can trace drug use back up to 90 days, allowing employers a thorough insight into a person's substance history. The long-term perspective it provides is invaluable, especially when assessing potential or current employees for drug use.
With hair follicle tests in Tiptop, VA, the chances of sample tampering are greatly diminished. This reliable testing method showcases resistance to adulteration, delivering results that are both trustworthy and definitive. The integrity of these tests makes them a preferred option in many settings where accurate drug detection is crucial.
Thanks to our convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Tiptop, VA, accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures that individuals and businesses have easy access to our reliable services, reinforcing our commitment to providing comprehensive testing opportunities nearby.
In Tiptop, VA, the process for ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is simple and confidential. Addressing privacy concerns with ease of use, the process offers peace of mind to all participants, assuring that personal information remains secure throughout the testing journey.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make our hair follicle testing services in Tiptop, VA, accessible and valuable. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our affordable options, receiving prompt and reliable results that help to maintain a healthy and safe workplace environment.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Tiptop, VA, ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. With a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use, these tests offer clear advantages over traditional methods. They not only provide quick results but also maintain integrity in their findings, making them the preferred choice for many professionals and organizations.
Employers in Tiptop, VA, benefit from compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks. By choosing this reliable testing solution, companies can enhance their workplace safety and ensure a harmonious working environment.
