Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection range extending up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment with approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) from the scalp suffices for obtaining 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. If scalp hair cannot be provided, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process entails four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial sample processing into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not already supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While cost-efficient, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples presumed positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing a complex procedure.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the skin
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in York Haven Anchorage, VA Hair follicle tests provide numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. The enhanced detection accuracy and reliability offer an edge, ensuring trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in York Haven Anchorage, VA Hair follicle testing excels in offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This broad timeframe allows employers to gain a complete understanding of an individual's substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in York Haven Anchorage, VA Hair follicle tests are notably tamper-resistant, ensuring that the probability of sample adulteration is significantly reduced.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in York Haven Anchorage, VA Access comprehensive drug testing services readily with our expansive network of nationwide and local testing centers.
Simple, Confidential Process in York Haven Anchorage, VA Our process for drug testing is straightforward and respects confidentiality, ensuring a seamless experience from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in York Haven Anchorage, VA Our competitive pricing structures coupled with swift turnaround times deliver excellent value, regardless of company size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in York Haven Anchorage, VA Hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled speed and precision. The accuracy in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring quick results that stakeholders can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in York Haven Anchorage, VA Utilizing hair follicle testing helps organizations stay compliant with drug-free work policies, mitigating legal risks while enhancing workforce safety and assurance.
