Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can reveal approximately a three-month drug and alcohol detection period. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG enhancements and/or tests involving more than 10 panels, a 150mg hair sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the hair weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing results at the laboratory proceed through four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial input of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any supplementary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary method for detecting drug abuse. Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to identifying drug use in most cases, yet a positive indication needs further verification to hold up in legal settings. Any samples that show a presumption of positivity during Screening mandate additional confirmation.
Should the Screening phase indicate a presumptive positive, extra hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from the hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), marking hair drug screening as one of the most challenging methodologies.
Verification of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to verification, presumptive positive samples undergo washing based on requirement. The full laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Franklin, VA, hair tests surpass traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy. The reliability of hair follicle tests ensures precise identification of substance use, offering a more dependable evaluation than conventional urine methodologies.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Franklin, VA, offers an impressive detection period of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe allows employers to gain a detailed understanding of an individual's drug history, providing a comprehensive view of past substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Franklin, VA, significantly minimize the chance of sample tampering. With a nearly tamper-proof collection process, these tests provide trustworthy and foolproof results, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the testing procedure.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing through numerous locations, including in Franklin, VA. With a network of nationwide centers, individuals and businesses can easily obtain necessary tests without hassle, ensuring accessibility and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process of hair follicle testing in Franklin, VA, is straightforward and ensures privacy. From ordering the test to obtaining results, every step is designed to prioritize confidentiality and ease, addressing any concerns regarding the process while maintaining user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Franklin, VA, our competitive pricing and swift result delivery make hair follicle testing both cost-effective and prompt. These advantages provide excellent value, catering to businesses seeking efficient and budget-friendly testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Franklin, VA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision in detecting substance use. The accuracy delivered by these tests offers a dependable evaluation, making them an ideal choice for both employers and individuals seeking thorough substance use investigations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Franklin, VA can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method not only enhances safety but also reduces legal risks, providing peace of mind for organizations who prioritize a secure and compliant working environment.
