Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis emerges as a compelling method for revealing substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug presence over an approximately three-month period. Hair is straightforward to gather, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's diameter), nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding ten panels, 150mg is advisable. We advocate weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair solely indicate scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in laboratories comprises four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary review for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in court. Presumptive positives in Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed to confirm positive screening results. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fulks Run, VA
Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. In Fulks Run, VA, this advanced testing method is favored for its superior detection capabilities, providing more comprehensive and trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Fulks Run, VA
Employers in Fulks Run, VA, appreciate the ability of hair follicle tests to identify drug use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history allows for more informed decision-making in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fulks Run, VA
The integrity of hair follicle tests is unmatched, significantly reducing sample tampering risks. In Fulks Run, VA, employers and individuals rely on this testing method for its unassailable accuracy and reliability, providing results that are beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fulks Run, VA
Our network of testing centers spans nationwide, including local facilities in Fulks Run, VA. This wide reach ensures that testing services are readily accessible, providing convenience and efficiency for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fulks Run, VA
Our hair follicle testing procedure in Fulks Run, VA, is designed to be straightforward and private, ensuring ease of use and confidentiality. From ordering tests to receiving results, the process addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fulks Run, VA
In Fulks Run, VA, companies of all sizes benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This value-driven approach ensures that our clients receive high-quality services without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fulks Run, VA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering swift and precise findings. Their high accuracy rate ensures a dependable analysis of substance use. Residents and businesses in Fulks Run, VA, benefit from this cutting-edge testing method's ability to provide reliable results quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fulks Run, VA
Hair follicle testing in Fulks Run, VA, offers employers a sure way to uphold drug-free workplace policies. Ensuring compliance reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers and staff alike.
