Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair is recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a chronic ledger, capturing biomarkers within the strands’ structure. When collected near the scalp, it offers a detection span of up to about 90 days for alcohol and substances. Hair is easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock with roughly 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for testing. For EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, equivalent body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, and similar).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes includes the steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about initially processing a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any extra data input not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening provides a rapid assessment for drug presence. Though cost-effective for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-valid. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are removed from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Positive screenings are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in New Church, VA? The key advantage lies in superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by providing a more comprehensive view of substance use. Its ability to detect usage over an extended period ensures more thorough and reliable outcomes.
One of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing in New Church, VA, is its extended detection window. By identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it provides employers with valuable insight into an individual's substance use history, offering a more complete picture for making informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing in New Church, VA, offers a tamper-resistant method that greatly diminishes the prospects of sample adulteration. This quality ensures that results are dependable and undeniable, making them optimal for situations requiring unquestionable accuracy.
Convenience is a major benefit with our nationwide and local testing locations in New Church, VA. With these centers, individuals and businesses can access testing services with ease, ensuring a quick and hassle-free process that caters to various regions across the country.
The process of hair follicle testing in New Church, VA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to collecting samples and receiving results, the procedure prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing concerns about confidentiality while ensuring a smooth experience.
Our hair follicle testing services in New Church, VA offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. We are dedicated to providing excellent value, ensuring that companies of every size can access reliable testing solutions without breaking their budget.
In New Church, VA, hair follicle drug tests promise fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are precise and swift, making them an excellent choice for those in need of a clear and quick detection of substances. The accuracy is particularly beneficial for employers who require certainty in the results of drug screenings.
Employers in New Church, VA can gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks and promoting workplace safety, ultimately leading to a more secure and compliant working environment.