Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. The hair serves as a chronological record of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within its growing fibers. When cut close to the head, it can reveal drug and alcohol use within roughly a three-month timeframe. Hair samples are easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch snippet of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a standard pencil) near the scalp weighs about 100mg, which is suitable for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We recommend verifying the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. If hair on the scalp is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we refer exclusively to the hair on the scalp. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test samples includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary registration of a sample into the lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional information absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use for many samples, positive results must undergo Confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with a preliminary positive result during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests as possibly positive in the Screening stage, extra hair is gathered from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), hence why hair drug analysis is among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumed positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Colonial Beach, VA: Hair follicle tests boast superior detection rates compared to urine tests. With a longer detection window and less susceptibility to tampering, hair tests offer a more accurate and reliable assessment of an individual's substance use history, making them the preferred choice for many employers and organizations.
Hair follicle testing in Colonial Beach, VA, provides a prolonged detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history. This extensive timeline surpasses traditional methods, offering a broader view and ensuring more effective substance use detection.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Colonial Beach, VA, significantly reduces the chances of sample tampering. Due to the tamper-resistant nature of hair samples, these tests deliver results that are reliable and difficult to dispute, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
With convenient testing centers located throughout Colonial Beach, VA, and nationwide, obtaining a hair follicle drug test has never been easier. Our extensive network ensures swift, hassle-free access to reliable testing services, making it simple to uphold drug-free workplace standards.
Hair follicle testing in Colonial Beach, VA, features a simple and confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and ensuring a seamless experience for all involved.
Our hair follicle drug testing in Colonial Beach, VA, combines affordable pricing with quick turnaround times, offering exceptional value for employers of all sizes. This accessibility ensures businesses can effectively maintain drug-free environments without straining budgets or enduring long waiting periods.
In Colonial Beach, VA, hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests stand out for their high accuracy and ability to provide quick results, making them an invaluable tool for employers who need reliable and timely information about potential drug use among employees or applicants.
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in Colonial Beach, VA, can guarantee adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This compliance fosters a safe working environment, decreases legal exposure, and provides employers with peace of mind regarding the efficacy of their drug testing policies.
