Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying the use of narcotics and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When garnered near the scalp, it can offer an approximate three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment composed of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation testing. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This stage ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. While it's cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most cases, positive screening results must be verified to be valid in legal contexts. Samples deemed presumptive positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further analysis. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo necessary washing. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in compliance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In town of Eagle Rock, VA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing. The former provides a broader window of detection, making it easier to identify long-term substance use more effectively compared to urine tests. Many organizations and individuals prefer hair tests due to their superior accuracy and reliability, reducing the chances of false negatives or positives.
In Eagle Rock, VA, hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection window. While traditional methods provide a snapshot of recent drug use, hair tests can uncover substance use for a period reaching up to 90 days. This extended timeline gives employers a more comprehensive understanding of a person’s historical substance use.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Eagle Rock, VA, are practically tamper-proof, significantly reducing the risk of sample manipulation. Unlike other methods, altering a hair sample is infeasible, ensuring the reliability and unquestionable validity of the results, thus providing consistent and dependable findings.
In Eagle Rock, VA, and across the nation, Accessible Drug Testing centers ensure convenient and localized testing services. Our widespread network allows individuals to quickly access testing without undue hassle, offering a user-friendly and streamlined experience.
Our process in Eagle Rock, VA ensures simplicity and confidentiality from test order to result. The seamless approach respects client privacy and builds trust through a straightforward process that assures users of their security at every step, resulting in an uncomplicated and confidential testing experience.
Offering affordable pricing in Eagle Rock, VA, our hair follicle testing services ensure that quality is not compromised. Our rapid result turnaround combined with competitive prices provides immense value, making it an efficient and economical choice for businesses, no matter their size.
In Eagle Rock, VA, the hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and accurate results. The methodology behind these tests ensures a high level of precision in identifying substances used by individuals. This speed and reliability make it an ideal choice for those in need of quick and definitive answers regarding drug use.
Employers in Eagle Rock, VA benefit from peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports workplace compliance with drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. By opting for hair testing, companies maintain stringent standards for workplace conduct.