Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair provides a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If head hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures in laboratory processing for drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not included by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary fast assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in a majority of cases, any positive screen needs confirmation to be credible in a court setting. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening must have a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminary positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test preliminary positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing in Trammel, VA. Among its benefits, it provides a longer detection window and higher accuracy. Hair tests reduce the possibility of tampering and offer a more reliable timeline of substance use. With longer detection periods, hair tests give a more comprehensive substance use history, making them superior for accurate assessments.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Trammel, VA, offers a comprehensive view into an individual's substance use history. With the ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, employers can make informed decisions based on a detailed account of an employee or applicant's behavior. This lengthy detection period provides insights far beyond the capabilities of standard urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Trammel, VA, stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. The test significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, reassuring users of its reliability. Its resilience against tampering makes it an invaluable tool for those seeking unquestionable results and high levels of testing integrity.
With a vast network of testing locations nationwide, including those in Trammel, VA, our services are easily accessible. The convenience of our centers offers quick and hassle-free testing processes. Whether locally or across the country, our testing locations ensure seamless access to essential drug testing services for everyone.
The process of undergoing hair follicle testing in Trammel, VA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results follows an easily navigable path, maintaining privacy and ease of use. Our procedures prioritize user comfort, ensuring an effortless and secure experience.
Trammel, VA, benefits from our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. These features provide excellent value for organizations of all sizes. By offering competitive pricing structures combined with quick delivery of results, we support businesses in maintaining both financial and operational efficiency.
In Trammel, VA, hair follicle drug tests deliver both fast and precise results. This method allows for quick and efficient detection of substances, ensuring timely and accurate outcomes. The brilliance of hair testing lies in its ability to detect drug use more reliably than other methods, providing individuals and organizations with trustworthy information they can depend on.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Trammel, VA, brings employers the benefit of compliance and peace of mind. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, hair tests reduce legal risks and bolster workplace safety. This approach ensures that both employers and employees can thrive in a secure and drug-free environment.
