Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Victoria, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers into the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month detection period for substances and alcohol use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Usage of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

There are four primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary sample processing into the lab’s system. This phase includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to rule out usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation stage.

Should a sample appear presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this juncture, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.

The Confirmation of any positive Screening findings occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleaned prior to Confirmation as required. Both the entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a briefer detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Tampering with a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing accuracy of the results.
• Delivers historical insights: It provides a depiction of substance usage patterns over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: Detection of substances in hair takes around 5-7 days post consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur greater costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Attributes such as hair hue and personal hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite the frequent reference as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Victoria, VA, outshines traditional urine tests in various ways. Enhanced detection accuracy and reliability are key advantages, making it a preferred choice for many. While urine tests offer a shorter detection period, hair tests provide up to a 90-day window, ensuring a more complete assessment of an individual's substance history and promoting better informed decisions.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days for drugs, providing a wider scope of substance use over time. This aspect allows employers in Victoria, VA, to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's history with substances, thereby facilitating more informed hiring or monitoring decisions and ultimately fostering a safer work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing ensures that the sample remains uncompromised. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are challenging to adulterate, giving employers in Victoria, VA, reliable and credible test outcomes. This reliability is focused on delivering precise results, minimizing the chances of deception.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing centers, including in Victoria, VA, our services are designed to be accessible and hassle-free. The convenience of multiple testing sites ensures that individuals can easily and quickly complete their tests, supporting efficient and stress-free experiences for all, whether for employment or other needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

The simple and confidential process in Victoria, VA, for hair follicle testing assures ease of use while respecting privacy. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring that personal information remains secure and results are delivered swiftly and discreetly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Victoria, VA, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses regardless of size. By ensuring fast results, companies can rely on timely information that helps in making informed employment decisions efficiently, without excessive costs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Victoria, VA, the quick and precise nature of hair follicle tests ensures accurate substance detection. Unlike other methods, hair testing scrutinizes a more extended period, guaranteeing that substances are reliably detected. The combination of speed and accuracy makes it a dependable choice for companies needing fast and effective results to maintain workplace standards.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Victoria, VA, the adoption of hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining a drug-free workplace, ensuring compliance with safety policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks and enhances overall safety by offering dependable results, thus providing peace of mind and safeguarding the collective welfare of all employees.

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