Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Woodstock, VA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as a vital resource in identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the emergent hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection scope for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample length of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If head hair is inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

An Overview of the Process

The principal phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This process comprises verifying sample integrity for sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any pending data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody document.

Screening refers to an initial rapid assay for identifying drug abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug consumption in most samples, a positive indication necessitates formal validation to be court-admissible. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.

If a specimen shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most intricate method to execute.

Validation of any presumptive positive result follows through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive specimen is prepped by washing, as required, prior to confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter timeframe.
• Resistance to tampering: It is exceedingly challenging to tamper with a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivering historical insights: It offers a pattern of substance use over time and not just recent usage.

Challenges:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs generally take 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to have a higher cost relative to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and unique hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand, not the subcutaneous hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Woodstock, VA surpasses traditional urine tests, offering superior detection and reliability.

• With a vast detection window, it captures a more comprehensive substance profile.
• Eliminates false negatives that urine tests might miss.

Extended Detection Window

In Woodstock, VA, hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window, reviewing substance use over ninety days.

• Offers a thorough evaluation of an individual's substance history.
• Critically supports employer decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Experience tamper-resistant testing in Woodstock, VA. Hair follicle tests significantly reduce adulteration risks.

• Secures samples against manipulation.
• Delivers dependable, unquestionable findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide centers, including Woodstock, VA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures seamless access to testing locations.

• Locally accessible services yield ease and efficiency.
• Facilitates quick, hassle-free testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Woodstock, VA, our hair testing process is simple and confidential.

• Effortless ordering and testing procedures bolster privacy.
• Receive results discreetly, safeguarding individual concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

At Accredited Drug Testing in Woodstock, VA, affordability meets efficiency.

• Competitive pricing structures cater to all company sizes.
• Quick turnaround times ensure timely insights.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Discover the prowess of hair follicle drug tests in Woodstock, VA. Renowned for precision and speed, these tests are unmatched in accuracy, analyzing substance use effectively.

• Expedited results provide a clear review of substance history.
• Optimize decision-making with definitive data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Woodstock, VA, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance, offering peace of mind to employers.

• Promotes drug-free workplace policies.
• Mitigates legal complications while enhancing safety.

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