Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drugs. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection span for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Referring to head hair means only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step confirms that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to discard the majority of drug use cases, any positive findings require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples identified as presumptive positives during Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a sample is initially found positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations than others (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis among the most challenging.
Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although colloquially termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Wakefield, VA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. It showcases unparalleled accuracy and reliability, ensuring better detection. This method not only matches but exceeds traditional tests by highlighting long-term substance use.
Employers find hair testing superior due to its ability to display a wider window of drug detection, covering up to 90 days compared to urine tests. This gives a more accurate reflection of substance use behavior.
One reason hair testing stands out in Wakefield, VA, is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it can trace drug use back as far as 90 days. This feature provides employers insights into an individual's substance history that are more comprehensive.
Such a prolonged detection period is beneficial for companies looking to maintain a safe, productive workplace. It ensures accountability and transparency, vital elements for organizational success.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample adulteration risks. This is especially advantageous for employers in Wakefield, VA, seeking reliable results.
Hair tests are robust against tampering, ensuring that results remain unquestionable and authentic. This integrity boosts confidence in the testing process, offering peace of mind to all parties involved.
Wakefield, VA, benefits from a network of convenient testing locations. Across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing ensures fast and hassle-free access to testing services.
Our numerous centers provide easy access, enabling swift scheduling and testing. This nationwide presence guarantees consistent service quality and expedience for clients seeking reliable testing solutions.
The hair follicle testing process in Wakefield, VA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we maintain privacy and ease.
Confidentiality is prioritized, addressing any concerns. The straightforward approach ensures that clients find the testing process accessible and secure, adding to their confidence in the service.
In Wakefield, VA, we offer affordable pricing and a fast turnaround for hair tests. Our competitive rates ensure clients get excellent value.
From small businesses to large corporations, our pricing caters to all, ensuring top-tier service without financial strain. Quick turnaround times mean minimal wait, keeping your operations running smoothly.
Hair follicle testing in Wakefield, VA, provides fast, accurate results, ensuring precise substance detection. Its robustness in pinpointing drug use is unparalleled. The turnaround is swift, allowing clients to receive reliable insights quickly.
With a focus on high precision, hair testing delivers commendable accuracy, surpassing many other conventional methods. It ensures that any use of prohibited substances is detected, thus aiding in effective decision-making.
Using hair follicle testing in Wakefield, VA, helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and promotes safety.
With hair testing, organizations can effectively enforce zero-tolerance policies, improving workplace morale and security. Compliance with these regulations ensures not just legal adherence but also a safe and harmonious work environment.
