Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can deliver up to roughly a 3-month period of detection for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and conveniently transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 strands, comparable to a #2 pencil in size, closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for assessment and verification. For EtG, supplementary components, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t present, an equivalent portion of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, this specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab management of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This consists of confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial brief assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates validation to be court-admissible. Any samples that are deemed positive in Screening do necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen is deemed positive initially in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower levels compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for why hair drug screening is a complex approach to implement.
Verification of any positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and the endorsement to ISO / IEC 17025 principles.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Trumps Urine Testing in Healing Springs, VA: Hair follicle tests excel in detecting drug usage with unparalleled accuracy and dependability compared to urine tests. This method is favored by those seeking longer detection windows and effective results, marking a significant advancement over conventional urine testing techniques.
In Healing Springs, VA, hair follicle testing offers employers an invaluable tool by detecting drug use over a substantial period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive assessment grants companies a well-rounded understanding of applicants’ or employees' past substance activities, thereby aiding in making informed hiring or retention choices.
In Healing Springs, VA, hair follicle testing offers a significantly tamper-resistant method of drug screening. Unlike other testing forms, it minimizes the risk of sample alteration, delivering reliable, unquestionable results that employers can depend on to maintain integrity in their screening processes.
With nationwide and local testing centers in Healing Springs, VA, accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and hassle-free for clients. This extensive network ensures seamless testing, catering to individuals and businesses alike with convenience and ease, helping everyone meet their testing needs efficiently.
Our process in Healing Springs, VA, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to safeguard privacy, ensuring ease of use while addressing any privacy concerns that clients might have, resulting in a straightforward and secure experience.
In Healing Springs, VA, hair follicle testing services boast affordable pricing and rapid turnaround. This combination provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive the reliable test results needed without strain on resources, thus offering peace of mind and value.
In Healing Springs, VA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed, accuracy, and reliability. This method efficiently identifies substance use, offering results faster than many alternatives. The precision of these tests ensures that businesses and individuals can trust the outcomes, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to ensure accurate drug screening processes.
Hair follicle testing in Healing Springs, VA, equips employers with the means to comply with drug-free workplace policies. This mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, ensuring businesses operate within regulatory frameworks while promoting a secure, drug-free work environment, thus providing peace of mind for all involved.
