Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a detailed historical record by trapping markers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it can yield up to a 3-month historical analysis for both alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp can deliver 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding ten, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be provided, an equal sample of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial induction of a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laborary Accessioning Number), and completing any required data input not given by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening features a preliminary scan for drug traces. While Screening efficiently rules out drugs in most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that are presumptively positive through Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, more hair from the sample is processed for Extraction. Drugs at lower concentrations are removed from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), signifying the complexity of hair drug screening methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed appropriately. The complete procedural flow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," these actually assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Washington, VA: Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine analysis. One significant benefit is its extended detection window, allowing for a comprehensive overview of drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which can only detect recent use, hair tests provide insights up to 90 days back, ensuring more reliable results.
Another advantage of hair testing is its accuracy. Hair samples cannot be easily tampered with or replaced, reducing the chance of false results. In Washington, VA, the adoption of hair follicle testing is rising as employers, courts, and other entities recognize its superior reliability and detailed drug detection capabilities compared to urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Washington, VA, offers an extended detection window incomparable to other testing methods, covering up to 90 days of potential drug use. This lengthened timeframe provides employers with a thorough profile of substance use behaviors, vital for evaluating future and current employees or candidates.
With this extensive detection period, hair testing enables employers to make informed decisions, reflecting a reliable picture of an individual's substance use history. This advantage ensures that companies ensure workplace safety by employing individuals who align with their drug-free policies.
In Washington, VA, hair follicle tests are a reliable method due to their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, such as urine tests, hair samples are difficult to adulterate or manipulate, ensuring the integrity of the results. This makes them an excellent choice for employers aiming for trust and accuracy.
The process of collecting hair samples is observed and secure, leaving little room for cheating or swapping samples. For organizations seeking unquestionable results, these tests are a preferred option, minimizing the risk and ensuring the authenticity of findings.
Convenience is a hallmark of our nationwide testing services, including local centers in Washington, VA. Our convenient locations ensure easy access to drug testing, eliminating barriers for individuals and businesses needing to complete testing promptly. Our expansive reach across cities ensures hassle-free experiences.
With numerous sites available, getting tested is simple, and with local options, care is taken to ensure speed and ease. Whether for legal, employment, or personal reasons, our testing centers provide quick and reliable access to essential drug testing services.
In Washington, VA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering a test, taking it, and receiving results is streamlined to respect individual privacy. Participants can expect a smooth process without unnecessary complications or concerns regarding confidentiality breaches.
Our service ensures that privacy is a priority. With an emphasis on discretion and ease, individuals and employers can trust that results are delivered securely, respecting the privacy of all parties involved throughout the testing process.
Offering affordable pricing in Washington, VA, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value without compromising on quality. Businesses will appreciate the competitive costs that help maintain budgets while securing reliable drug testing results.
Quick turnaround times complement pricing, ensuring that results are delivered efficiently to meet organizational needs. For companies of all sizes, this cost-effective approach offers peace of mind, balancing budgetary constraints with the necessity for precise and timely testing outcomes.
Hair follicle testing in Washington, VA, is renowned for offering fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method boasts superior precision in detecting various substances. The advanced technology involved ensures a high level of accuracy, making it a trusted choice for many entities seeking dependable drug testing outcomes. The speed of obtaining these results further contributes to its growing popularity.
The reliability of hair follicle tests is unmatched, providing consistent outcomes that other methods may not assure. In Washington, VA, the efficiency of this testing process ensures quick results and peace of mind, making it a preferred option for both individuals and organizations looking for quick and precise information on substance use.
Employers in Washington, VA, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing due to its role in ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By using this testing method, companies significantly reduce legal risks associated with drug use. The reliability of hair tests contributes to safer and more effective workplace environments.
Not only does it assist in legal compliance, but it also enhances productivity by maintaining a focus on safety and health. This allows businesses to avoid costly repercussions of drug-related incidents, fostering a healthy and efficient work atmosphere.
