Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by holding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month window for detecting substances like alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panel tests exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s recommended to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in laboratory processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning relates to the primary processing of a sample in a laboratory’s framework. This includes confirming the proper sealing and receipt of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening pertains to an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court acceptability. Samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive under Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging methods.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine tests in Alleghany, VA? It's simple. Hair testing offers advanced detection abilities and superior accuracy. While urine tests are more traditional, hair tests deliver more reliable results, establishing a trustworthy assessment regime.
Employers in Alleghany, VA benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. Remaining effective for up to 90 days, it provides a comprehensive view into the subject's past substance use, offering vital insights into their behavioral patterns over a longer period.
In Alleghany, VA, hair follicle testing is notably tamper-resistant. This method minimizes sample tampering, delivering results that can be trusted by those who depend on its accuracy. Its reliability makes it an indispensable tool for drug testing purposes.
The convenience of our testing centers in Alleghany, VA, within a nationwide network, means quick and accessible services. Locally available, these centers ensure that getting a test is always a seamless and straightforward process for everyone involved.
The process for hair follicle testing in Alleghany, VA, is straightforward and respects privacy. It's a simple, confidential procedure from start to finish—ordering the test, completing it, and receiving results are all designed to be hassle-free and discreet.
In Alleghany, VA, our hair follicle testing offers reasonable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times. We provide exceptional value and peace of mind for businesses of all scales, ensuring you benefit from cost-efficiency without compromising on quality.
In Alleghany, VA, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out. These assessments deliver fast and accurate results, setting them apart in the drug testing arena by reliably identifying substance use. This method ensures high accuracy, enhancing trust in the results obtained.
By adopting hair follicle testing in Alleghany, VA, employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal liabilities but also enhances safety, providing peace of mind and a secure working environment.
