Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has evolved as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period for alcohol and other substances of up to roughly 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, infrequently tampered with, and conveniently shipped.
A sample of 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for assessment and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be acquired. When discussing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the introductory processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This process ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid identification for drugs of misuse. Although screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug utilizations on most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples presumed positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and is readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a markedly lower concentration than with other procedures (such as urine or oral fluid), underlining the challenge of executing hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair testing triumphs over conventional urine tests in North Shore, VA for multiple reasons. Firstly, hair follicle tests boast far superior detection accuracy, spotting drugs consumed over an extended timeline. Urine tests might detect recent use, yet their short window misses critical long-term usage, making hair testing a reliable choice for firms aiming to uphold robust drug-free policies amongst employees.
Hair follicle testing in North Shore, VA offers unparalleled insights into an individual's substance use history due to its extended detection span of up to 90 days. This gives employers a deeper understanding of an employee's past behavior, essential for assessing long-term patterns of drug use and ensuring the maintenance of a productive, drug-free environment in the workplace.
In North Shore, VA, the resistance of hair follicle tests to tampering offers a remarkable advantage. The method minimizes risks associated with sample adulteration, ensuring that results are both dependable and irrefutable. The observed collection procedure adds an extra layer of security, solidifying its standing as a trustworthy testing option for employers and other stakeholders.
With convenient testing facilities spread nationwide, including local options in North Shore, VA, accessing drug testing services is streamlined and stress-free. These strategically positioned centers offer quick, effortless access, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience for businesses and individuals needing drug screening services.
The drug testing procedure in North Shore, VA is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to conducting tests and obtaining results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease. This user-friendly process addresses concerns, allowing individuals to engage in drug testing with assurance and peace regarding their personal data and privacy.
In North Shore, VA, competitive pricing and speedy turnaround provided by drug testing services ensure value for businesses of all scales. Quick access to results paired with economical costs gives companies peace of mind, knowing they receive premier services without undue financial strain, driving productivity and compliance.
In North Shore, VA, the precision and quick delivery of hair follicle drug tests stand undeniable. Laboratories equipped with advanced systems precisely identify substance traces, offering highly accurate results. The rapidity of this testing method ensures that decisions and actions based on the results can follow swiftly, thereby assisting businesses and legal entities to stay ahead in crucial matters.
In North Shore, VA, utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with company drug-free regulations, bringing compliance and considerable peace of mind. By mitigating legal risks associated with workplace policies and elevating safety levels, employers can foster a culture of trust and responsibility, crucial for organizational well-being and employee satisfaction.
