Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of substance intake by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand during growth. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximately three-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panel tests exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system, including verification that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not accomplished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this procedure, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine analysis in Troutville, VA, presents clear advantages. Notably, hair tests boast a longer detection window, frequently uncovering substance use that urine tests might miss. This feature makes hair assessments ideal for employers serious about enforcing drug-free policies.
Beyond a longer detection period, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in reliability. With less susceptibility to contamination, they provide more exact results, removing any doubt of the outcome's authenticity. For businesses focused on comprehensive drug scrutiny, hair tests prove invaluable.
One significant benefit of hair follicle testing in Troutville, VA, is its prolonged detection window, sometimes covering up to 90 days. This extensive period allows employers to discern an applicant or employee's history of substance use comprehensively.
This capability offers a broader view of an individual's behavior, as opposed to only recent usage. Employers can trust these results to make informed decisions about candidates and employees, ensuring a safer and more productive workplace.
Troutville, VA, enjoys the advantages of hair follicle tests, notably their robustness against tampering. These tests make it exceedingly challenging to adulterate or substitute samples, thus ensuring the authenticity of the results.
The integrity of the sample is maintained across the process, from collection to analysis. This reliability is why many organizations prefer hair testing to counteract any possibility of falsified results, underpinning their trust in this methodology.
The extensive network of testing facilities, including in Troutville, VA, ensures unmatched convenience for clients. With nationwide accessibility, individuals have streamlined access to testing services without unnecessary delays.
This widespread availability simplifies the process for companies and individuals alike, offering easy scheduling and quick access to a testing center, whether you're local or traveling. The pervasive presence of these facilities highlights our commitment to user convenience.
In Troutville, VA, the hair follicle testing process is remarkably straightforward and ensures confidentiality at every stage. From ordering the test to finalizing results, the procedure is designed with user privacy in mind.
Every aspect, from sample collection to processing, prioritizes discretion, making participants feel at ease. The simplicity of the process without compromising confidentiality is why many resort to hair testing for reliable outcomes.
Affordable pricing and prompt results in Troutville, VA, define our hair follicle drug testing service, making it an advantageous choice for organizations of any size. Our competitive rates mean exceptional value without sacrificing quality.
Quick turnaround times ensure that companies receive essential information promptly, aiding in faster decision-making processes. This synergy of cost-effectiveness and speed makes our services a preferred option for numerous employers.
In Troutville, VA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its exceptional speed and precision. The test provides rapid results that accurately confirm substance usage, making it highly reliable. Employers looking for fast yet dependable drug assessments often select hair follicle tests for this very reason.
The efficacy of hair follicle tests lies in their ability to detect even the smallest traces of drug metabolites. This ensures that the outcomes are trustworthy and nearly error-free. Achieving quick and dependable results means less time waiting for validation and more time acting on findings.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Troutville, VA, supports employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, significantly mitigating legal concerns. Adhering to these practices reassures employers that regulations are upheld without compromise.
Moreover, adopting hair tests aligns with fostering a safer work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workforce is consistently monitored, which translates into enhanced safety and increased productivity.
