Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term archive of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within an approximately 3-month timeframe. Collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion, roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen weight. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. By 'head hair', we mean scalp hair only; 'body hair' implies all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a drug test outcome in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process entails verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry omitted from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift examination for drug misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to negate drug presence for the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation for judicial admissibility. Presumptive positives during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show a positive screen, extra hair is sourced from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), enhancing the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screening confirmations utilize GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are cleansed before the confirmation phase as needed. The lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Notably, while commonly called "hair follicle tests," the procedure targets the hair strand, not the follicle itself.
The benefits of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are clear in Countryside, VA. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and are reliable over a longer period. Urine tests may miss drug use outside a narrow timeframe, while hair tests provide comprehensive insights for employers aiming for a drug-free workplace environment.
The extended detection timeframe of hair follicle testing in Countryside, VA, covers up to 90 days of potential drug use. This method equips employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, enabling more informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Countryside, VA, presents a tamper-resistant solution, minimizing the chance of sample tampering. This method ensures reliable and indisputable results, reinforcing the integrity of the drug testing process.
With conveniently located testing centers nationwide, including local options in Countryside, VA, accessing our hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread locations mean testing is available when and where you need it, with minimal disruption to daily operations.
Experience a straightforward and private testing process in Countryside, VA, ensuring simplicity from booking to result collection. This seamless approach assures confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns while providing ease of use to both employers and individuals.
In Countryside, VA, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional value. Whether for large corporations or small businesses, our services ensure satisfaction and cost-efficiency for an effective drug testing strategy.
In Countryside, VA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision in detecting substance use, combining speed with high accuracy. The results are delivered promptly, maintaining the reliability and trust that organizations depend on for making informed decisions about their staff or candidates.
Employers in Countryside, VA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring strict adherence to workplace drug policies. This testing method mitigates legal concerns while bolstering workplace safety and compliance standards.
