Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When cut near the scalp, hair can yield up to about a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather hair, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for analysis and validation. In cases of EtG, additional tests, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When talking about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is logged into the lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive Screening outcome requires validation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that return presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening results indicate a potential positive, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at a noticeably lower concentration than other testing methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive Screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are potential positives are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in compliance with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle situated beneath the scalp.
In McLean, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests for several compelling reasons.
Benefits of Hair Testing:
Employers and regulators gain a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history, making it the preferred choice for comprehensive testing.
McLean employers benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing.
Why Extended Detection Matters:
This testing gives a thorough view of an applicant or employee's drug history, enhancing workplace safety.
When considering drug testing methods in McLean, VA, employers find hair follicle testing to be tamper-resistant. Secure Sample Integrity:
Hair testing provides confidence that results reflect true substance use behaviors.
Convenience is key with nationwide and local McLean, VA, testing locations available. Access Made Easy:
Clients enjoy hassle-free access to testing, ensuring a smooth experience every time.
Our simple, confidential process in McLean, VA, allows for worry-free drug testing. Seamless Service:
Individuals and companies can rest assured that their information is secure, maintaining confidentiality at every step.
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in McLean, VA, offer unparalleled value.
Cost-Effective Efficiency:
Budget-conscious businesses appreciate the balance of economy and effective testing services.
Hair follicle drug tests in McLean, VA, provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. The Precision Advantage:
With such accuracy, McLean employers can confidently evaluate drug use capabilities.
Hair follicle testing in McLean, VA, supports employers' peace of mind by ensuring policy compliance. Enhancing Workplace Safety:
This testing method instills confidence and security among employers and staff.
