Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month period of substance usage history. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A hair sample, 1.5 inches long and consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and validation. For EtG, extra tests, and assessments beyond 10 panels, it's best to gather 150mg. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurate specimen weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent measure of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" covers other types like facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
Four key stages characterize the laboratory process of analyzing a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, applies a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening involves a preliminary test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to discount drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples with preliminary positive results in Screening must undergo further verification.
Should the Screening stage indicate a probable positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen to proceed to the Extraction phase. Here, substances are pulled from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), accentuating the complex nature of hair drug analysis.
Through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS, Confirmation is performed for any positive screening outcome. If necessary, presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation. The entire lab procedure—from Accessioning to Confirmation—is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Whitesville, VA, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair analysis reveals habitual substance usage over a significantly extended duration. This provides a more comprehensive picture of an individual's lifestyle, crucial for making informed employment or legal decisions.
Longer detection windows are a defining advantage of hair tests, covering up to 90 days of drug activity. Urine tests typically detect substances only within days after use, lacking the ability to provide such an extensive history. Hair testing's accuracy and reliability make it a favored choice for those seeking thorough substance-use insights.
In Whitesville, VA, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, capturing drug use history spanning up to 90 days. This comprehensive timeframe offers employers an in-depth view of potential employees' substance-use habits over several months, solidifying informed decision-making in hiring processes.
The longer tracking ability of hair tests enables employers to see beyond recent usage, unlike urine tests that only cover a few days. This expanded window helps ascertain the consistent patterns of drug use, vital for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Whitesville, VA sees hair follicle testing as a tamper-resistant method, reducing the risks associated with sample adulteration. Unlike urine samples, which can be manipulated, hair tests provide almost unquestionable results due to their secure collection process.
With the inherent integrity of hair tests, employers can feel assured of the reliability of the results. This builds confidence in the testing process, ensuring that the outcomes accurately reflect an individual’s substance-use history without concerns of interference or fraud.
From Whitesville, VA to nationwide, our testing centers offer convenient access, facilitating a streamlined and hassle-free testing experience. The numerous locations enhance availability, making it easy for individuals to get tested without long waits or extensive travel.
This network ensures quick and efficient service, accommodating the needs of both local and remote clients. With easily accessible locations, our services cater to timely and effective testing objectives.
In Whitesville, VA, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, our systems prioritize ease of use and discretion, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
The testing process guarantees confidential handling of information and samples, assuring clients of their privacy. Each step is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring individuals feel comfortable and secure throughout the process.
In Whitesville, VA, hair follicle testing is not only accurate but also affordable. Competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times offer companies outstanding value without compromising quality.
These tests are ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions at reasonable costs. Coupled with rapid result delivery, employers can manage testing efficiently, contributing to organizational well-being and peace of mind.
In Whitesville, VA, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their remarkable precision and speed. These tests boast a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a preferred choice. The advanced technology allows for swift results, ensuring timely information for both employers and individuals.
The protocol allows results to be delivered promptly without compromising accuracy. This is vital for employers needing quick decision-making in recruitment or compliance situations. With their high reliability, hair tests set a standard for efficient drug testing solutions.
For employers in Whitesville, VA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind. Opting for this method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a secure working environment.
Using hair testing, companies can uphold their zero-tolerance policies, ensuring that all employees align with the organization's values and safety standards. It serves as a precautionary measure, endorsing corporate responsibility and reducing workplace incidences related to substance abuse.
