Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fiber structure. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, an optimal amount for initial and confirmatory assessments. When testing for EtG, additional substances, or conducting tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is missing, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for analyzing drug test results consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample integration into a laboratory system, verifying that the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not included by an electronic custody chain.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. While this is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive screening result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample be flagged as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted for use in Extraction. Here, hair releases drugs at notably reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirming any positive screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples preliminarily marked positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Colonial Heights, VA
Hair follicle testing offers benefits that surpass traditional urine tests. With superior detection capabilities, hair tests provide more accuracy and reliability over an extended period, unlike the short detection window of urine tests. This enhanced accuracy is vital for employers who need a dependable indicator of an employee's substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Colonial Heights, VA
Hair follicle testing is invaluable for its ability to detect drug use over a lengthy timeline, up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive overview of a potential hire or current employee's drug history, beyond what urine tests can reveal, hence allowing for a more informed employment decision.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Colonial Heights, VA
Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample tampering, reducing the risk of adulteration or substitution. The method of collection and analysis ensures a reliable outcome that is difficult to distort, thus providing assured results that stakeholders can trust without question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Colonial Heights, VA
Our expansive network of testing centers makes accessing our services convenient for anyone in need. Both nationwide and local sites, including Colonial Heights, VA, provide quick and hassle-free access, ensuring tests are both accessible and efficient for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Colonial Heights, VA
The straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing protects client privacy every step of the way. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure is designed for ease and discretion, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and making the experience stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Colonial Heights, VA
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for our tests. This ensures that businesses of all sizes can benefit from our services, receiving high-value results that are budget-friendly and delivered promptly, thus supporting effective decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Colonial Heights, VA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests offer a highly accurate means to verify drug history, minimizing the chance of false negatives or false positives. The reliability of these results ensures individuals and organizations can confidently make informed decisions based on the data obtained.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Colonial Heights, VA
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies ensures compliance with drug-free mandates, minimizimg both legal and safety risks. This not only fortifies adherence to guidelines but also grants peace of mind to employers, knowing their workforce maintains a substance-free environment.
