Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Courtland, VA

What it is, How it works

The application of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair serves as a record keeper for alcohol and drug exposure by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. Collecting hair near the scalp can reveal exposure to alcohol and other substances for an approximate timeline of three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, roughly 200 strands or the size of a #2 pencil, taken from the area nearest to the scalp, typically supplies 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis and confirmation. In cases involving EtG, additional testing, or more than a 10-panel screen, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen's weight. Should scalp hair not be viable, an equivalent amount of body hair is an acceptable substitute. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The comprehensive laboratory method for processing a drug test comprises four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning step initiates the process by integrating a sample into the laboratory's system, ensuring proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

The Screening phase performs a preliminary examination for drug presence. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive indication requires confirmation to uphold in judicial proceedings. Samples that screen positively at this stage necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

When a sample tests positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening remains the most intricate methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory process encompassing Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug assessments can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a markedly shorter detection range.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Exhibits historical usage: It offers insights into drug use patterns over time, rather than merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: A timeframe of 5-7 days is necessary for drugs to manifest within hair strands.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations are commonly costlier than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Aspects such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment itself examines the hair strand as opposed to the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Courtland, VA

• In comparing hair testing to traditional urine testing, hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability.
• With a longer detection period, hair tests give a more comprehensive view of substance use, capturing data that urine tests often miss.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Courtland, VA

• Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, evaluating drug use over a period of up to 90 days.
• This feature allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, facilitating more informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Courtland, VA

• Hair follicle tests are especially noteworthy for their tamper-resistance, greatly reducing risks of sample adulteration.
• This method ensures that results remain reliable and trustworthy, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Courtland, VA

• Offering a broad network of testing centers nationwide, scheduling tests is quick, easy, and hassle-free.
• With convenient local locations, Courtland residents have accessible options to ensure they can utilize our testing services effortlessly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Courtland, VA

• Our process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining results is both straightforward and confidential.
• This ensures privacy, ease of use, and addresses privacy concerns, maintaining the confidence of all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Courtland, VA

• We pride ourselves on competitive pricing and speedy turnaround times, providing exceptional value for businesses of all sizes.
• These features help streamline the decision-making process, delivering peace of mind and affordability simultaneously.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Courtland, VA

• Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed, providing results that are highly accurate and reliable.
• By leveraging advanced technology, these tests detect substance use with impressive accuracy, ensuring peace of mind for employers and individuals.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Courtland, VA

• Employers can assure compliance with drug-free policies through the use of precise hair follicle testing.
• This reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind and reliable compliance with workplace guidelines.

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