Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair stores a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the threads of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to alter, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the material is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If head hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. In terms of head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other kinds (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s framework. This involves checking the sample’s seal and proper shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary swift assessment for drug abuse. Screening is an affordable means to eliminate drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any presumptive positive samples in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration relative to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid); this makes hair drug screening the most complex method to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle underneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing in University Center, VA, are clear. Hair tests deliver unmatched detection accuracy and reliability due to their extended detection window. Where traditional urine tests may fall short, hair samples can preserve drug use evidence for up to 90 days, making them an invaluable tool for employers demanding comprehensive assessments.
Hair follicle testing in University Center, VA, offers an extended detection window capable of revealing drug use over a period stretching up to 90 days. This long-term insight is beneficial for employers needing thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's history, enabling them to make informed decisions based on a broader scope of substance use evaluation.
In University Center, VA, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. This approach significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, as hair collection involves a controlled process, making it nearly impossible to manipulate the results. This ensures the reliability and integrity of the testing outcomes.
With numerous convenient nationwide testing centers and local presence in University Center, VA, accessing our services is quick and hassle-free. The expanded network allows clients to effortlessly undergo testing, ensuring a smooth and streamlined process wherever they are located.
In University Center, VA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, the steps are straightforward and secure, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use throughout the entire process.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in University Center, VA, ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Affordable and efficient, our hair follicle tests offer peace of mind, providing reliable results swiftly, which is crucial for timely and informed decision-making by employers.
In University Center, VA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in delivering reliable results. They provide a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that results are trustworthy. The quick turnaround time supports rapid decision-making for employers and reduces the waiting time typically associated with other testing methods.
For employers in University Center, VA, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind, reinforcing adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This testing methodology mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety by providing undeniable results, supporting a commitment to a secure and drug-free environment.
