Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption has increased considerably. Hair acts as a record keeper for drug and alcohol history, capturing biomarkers within the structure of the growing strands. When specimens are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use patterns over a roughly three-month timespan. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is a challenge, and transportation is uncomplicated.
To obtain an ideal sample suitable for analysis and verification, gather a hair sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands, similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil, from near the scalp. This amounts to 100mg of hair, which is the standard sample size. For certain tests such as EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. Using a jeweler's scale for accurate measurement is advised. If head hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Here, "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers all other hair types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four essential stages in processing a drug test in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial processing of the specimen into the lab's records is performed. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening efficiently narrows down the majority of drug-free samples, any positive outcomes must undergo Confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples suggesting positive results in Screening must be affirmed with a further test.
Should Screening indicate a likely positive result, further hair is removed from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, thus presenting hair drug testing as the most demanding method.
Positive findings from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Each tentative positive is cleansed as needed before Confirmation. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite common references to "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand itself and not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Urbanna, VA
Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair follicle tests analyze longer-term substance use with up to 90 days of detection. Employers and individuals in Urbanna prefer hair testing for its ability to expose extended substance use patterns, ensuring stringent adherence to policies.
Extended Detection Window in Urbanna, VA
Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window, spanning up to 90 days for drug use. This extensive period provides employers with a thorough overview of an individual’s substance consumption history, not just recent use. In Urbanna, VA, incorporating hair testing ensures a comprehensive assessment of an applicant or employee’s behavior over time, aiding informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Urbanna, VA
Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-proof testing method, greatly minimizing the potential for sample adulteration. In Urbanna, VA, this reliability ensures that test results are credible and irrefutable. The testing procedure is meticulously controlled, offering a trustworthy assessment for employers who require unimpeachable test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Urbanna, VA
Our testing services offer unrivaled convenience with nationwide locations and dedicated local centers in Urbanna, VA. This widespread availability guarantees quick and hassle-free access to testing, making it simple for individuals and businesses alike to utilize our comprehensive drug testing services across the country.
Simple, Confidential Process in Urbanna, VA
Ordering and undergoing hair follicle tests in Urbanna is straightforward and confidential. Our procedures prioritize ease of use and privacy, meticulously designed to protect personal information. Individuals can rest assured that their testing journey is handled discreetly and with the utmost care, providing peace of mind throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Urbanna, VA
Our hair follicle testing in Urbanna features competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround, delivering superior value for enterprises of all sizes. The affordability combined with quick processing times makes it an appealing choice for companies seeking effective and economical drug testing solutions, ensuring financial prudence alongside operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Urbanna, VA
Hair follicle drug tests provide highly precise and expedited results, confirming substance use with remarkable accuracy. In contrast to other testing methods, hair follicle tests rapidly deliver findings, proving invaluable for timely decision-making processes. In Urbanna, individuals and organizations benefit from their swift and reliable performance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Urbanna, VA
Employers in Urbanna can confidently enforce drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method aids compliance, lowering legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. The reliable detection of substance use promotes peace of mind, ensuring that businesses adhere to their policies with consistency and accountability.
