Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can encapsulate a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by entrapping biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of approximately 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, manipulation is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—suitable for examination and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We advise assessing the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair may suffice. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result entails four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the sample's entry into the laboratory system, encompassing the verification of proper sealing and shipping, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of additional data entry if electronic custody is not available.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug consumption in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require further validation.
When a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair screening as a complex methodology.
Positive Screening findings undergo Confirmation utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory operation, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the actual test examines the hair strand, not the follicle embedded in the scalp.
In Stanley, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to several advantages. Its precision and reliability make it a preferred choice among many organizations. Not only does hair testing provide superior detection accuracy, but it also mitigates the risks of false negatives and contamination, ensuring trustworthy results every time.
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Stanley, VA, is its extended detection period. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can detect drug use up to 90 days, enabling employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance usage history. This long detection window plays a crucial role in informed decision-making processes.
In Stanley, VA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing stands out as a cornerstone of its reliability. With a collection method that significantly diminishes the possibility of sample adulteration, these tests offer organizations results that are both incontestable and dependable, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug screening processes.
With Accresewide Testing locations that span nationwide, including convenient centers in Stanley, VA, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. These strategically placed locations ensure that individuals and companies can quickly and efficiently undertake testing without geographical constraints, streamlining the process.
Stanley, VA, offers a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From placing an order to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use. Individuals can feel confident that their data is protected, addressing any privacy concerns while facilitating a smooth testing experience.
Affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Stanley, VA, a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes. By delivering excellent value without compromising on quality or speed, organizations benefit from swift results that align with budgetary constraints.
In Stanley, VA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests provide quick and precise results offering a reliable way to determine any use of illicit substances. By consistently delivering fast and accurate data, hair tests are instrumental in maintaining safe environments in both workplaces and communities.
Employers in Stanley, VA, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. Such testing minimizes legal risks while promoting a safe and compliant work environment. By choosing this method, employers safeguard their operations and reinforce their commitment to a secure workplace.
