Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When cut close to the scalp, hair can provide up to a three-month detection window for both alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Our reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, any positive result in the screen needs confirmation for legal validity. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is more complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Tests Excel in Newington, VA. Hair follicle testing outperforms conventional urine tests with its enhanced detection scope and dependability. Unlike urine screenings, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests provide a wider retrospective insight, identifying drug use with remarkable acumen and reducing opportunities for errors.
Comprehensive Detection Span in Newington, VA. Hair follicle assessments cover a prolonged detection range, identifying drug use history up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeline empowers employers with a deeper examination of a subject's substance use patterns beyond short-term assessments.
Secure Testing Approach in Newington, VA. Hair follicle assays are significantly resistant to manipulation, ensuring the integrity and dependability of results. By minimizing the chance of tampering, these tests safeguard against adulteration and boost confidence in the test's authenticity.
Easily Accessible Testing Sites in Newington, VA. Our expansive network of testing facilities offers simple access to drug screening services, speeding up the process and lessening inconveniences for individuals and corporations.
Effortless and Private Process in Newington, VA. The straightforward mechanism for initiating, completing, and receiving hair follicle test outcomes ensures privacy and eases concerns, focusing on confidentiality and simplicity for users.
Competitive Rates and Prompt Results in Newington, VA. Our pricing is structured to be resourceful yet budget-friendly, promising swift turnaround times that deliver excellent value and stability across diverse organizational scales.
Fast, Precise Accomplishments in Newington, VA. Hair follicle screenings promise rapid and reliable results. The technology ensures precise detection of drug habits, presenting a high level of accuracy that is unmatched. This speed coupled with data reliability makes them an excellent choice for individuals and organizations that demand immediate and trustworthy outcomes.
Employer Assurance and Compliance in Newington, VA. Incorporating hair follicle screenings assures compliance with drug-free operational mandates, mitigating legal liabilities and promoting a safer workplace environment for all employees.
