Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a timeline of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within its strands as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn't present, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. By mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any lacking data entry that’s not integrated through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid review for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive result from this stage requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging approach to conduct.
Verification of a positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
For residents of Winterpock, VA, hair follicle testing presents numerous advantages over traditional urine tests.
Detection accuracy in hair testing is superior, enabling the identification of drug use over a longer period, whereas urine tests are limited in timeframe.
Reliability is another key benefit; hair testing is less susceptible to tampering or adulteration compared to traditional tests.
The hair follicle test's extended detection window provides employers in Winterpock, VA, with a deeper insight into an individual's drug use history.
Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent drug usage, hair follicle testing can detect substance use for up to 90 days.
This extended timeframe helps employers make informed decisions based on a more comprehensive view of the individual's behavior.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces potential tampering risks, offering Winterpock, VA employers more reliable results.
The process is conducted under strict supervision, making any attempts to adulterate the sample nearly impossible.
This ensures that the results are unquestionably authentic, giving peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
Winterpock, VA residents find it easy to access our nationwide testing centers, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
Local testing locations are readily available, eliminating hassle and reducing travel time for clients.
This network facilitates swift and seamless access to testing services, a boon for individuals and organizations alike.
Residents of Winterpock, VA, experience a simple and confidential hair testing process.
From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes convenience and privacy.
Clients can rest assured of confidentiality throughout, alleviating concerns about data security and ease of use.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our hair testing services in Winterpock, VA provide excellent value.
With competitive pricing structures, companies of all sizes benefit from cost-effective solutions.
Quick result delivery further ensures clients receive timely insights, enhancing decision-making capabilities.
The hair follicle drug test provides fast, accurate, and reliable results, an unparalleled level of precision.
Located in Winterpock, VA, our testing centers emphasize efficiency, utilizing the latest technology to deliver unparalleled accuracy.
By detecting a wide range of substances, hair tests offer comprehensive insights into an individual's drug usage history with remarkable speed.
Employers in Winterpock, VA, benefit from the compliance and peace of mind that hair follicle testing offers.
Regular use of this method helps comply with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities.
By maintaining a safe working environment, employers enhance the overall security and well-being of their workforce.
