Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying use of drugs and alcohol. By trapping biomarkers in the hair strand's growing fibers, hair provides a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair samples allow approximately a 90-day detection window for alcohol and drugs. This method is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of nearly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, the advised amount is 150mg. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types of hair (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process verifies sample sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not provided by an e-chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is an economic method to rule out drug use in most samples, a confirmed screen is necessary for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. At this point, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirming any positive screening result involves methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The step-by-step laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", these actually analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing stands out compared to urine testing in Benns Church, VA due to its superior detection capabilities. The prolonged identification window and reliable nature make it an excellent choice.
Employers find hair tests particularly beneficial as they offer extensive oversight over potential drug use, surpassing traditional methods in accuracy and reliability.
Employers gain confidence knowing hair tests are much harder to deceive than urine tests, offering peace of mind in the drug screening process.
In Benns Church, VA, the hair follicle drug test's extensive detection window, ranging up to 90 days, provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance history.
This broad window allows employers to make informed decisions based on a long-term perspective of an employee or candidate's drug use.
Such comprehensive information empowers employers to maintain rigorous employment standards and workplace safety protocols effectively.
In Benns Church, VA, employing hair follicle tests dramatically reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. The process is designed to deliver results that are reliable and trusted.
The unique characteristics of hair testing minimize possibilities for adulteration, providing decisive results.
This reduction in sample manipulation ensures both the integrity of the testing process and the accuracy of the outcomes, reinforcing trust in drug testing.
The availability of testing locations across the nation, including Benns Church, VA, ensures seamless access to drug testing services. The process is efficient, user-friendly, and hassle-free, enhancing convenience for all users.
With a widespread network of facilities, individuals and businesses enjoy prompt testing without the inconvenience of long waits.
The breadth of locations guarantees readiness and rapid testing services available to every need.
In Benns Church, VA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, making it accessible to all.
From ordering to receiving results, everything is conducted with privacy in mind, easing any concerns associated with the process.
The streamlined testing approach ensures user satisfaction, maintaining discretion and comfort without compromising on the quality or accuracy of the results.
Offering competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in Benns Church, VA delivers excellent value, with fast turnaround times that are essential for businesses big and small.
Customers benefit from cost efficiency without compromising on result quality or timing, gaining confidence in the process.
The blend of affordability and rapid results caters to the diverse needs of various corporate and individual client bases.
The hair follicle drug tests in Benns Church, VA offer unmatched precision and speed. With an efficient analytical process, these tests provide high accuracy in detecting substance use.
Each test is meticulously processed to ensure reliable and swift results, significantly aiding any urgent or time-sensitive screening needs.
The robust framework of hair follicle tests results in rapid access to accurate information about drug use.
Employers in Benns Church, VA find assurance in hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Avoiding legal challenges and fostering a secure work environment becomes achievable.
With the precision of hair tests, businesses can confidently implement and maintain zero-tolerance policies, promoting organizational safety and compliance.
The method supports peace of mind for employers, knowing their workplace is well protected.