Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to 90 days. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional assays, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's beneficial to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not found in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for drug use. While Screening is a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to stand in court. Any samples that appear positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample suggests positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this process, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Challenges:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the examination checks the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
When comparing hair follicle testing to standard urine tests, hair testing stands out with superior accuracy in Roanoke, VA. Detection windows extend significantly, offering a more comprehensive overview of substance use histories.
This makes it the preferred choice for stringent monitoring requirements.
The extended detection window of up to 90 days with hair follicle testing provides employers in Roanoke, VA, a broader perspective on an individual's substance use, surpassing traditional testing methods.
This ensures informed decision-making based on comprehensive data.
Hair follicle testing in Roanoke, VA offers a robust solution minimizing the potential for sample tampering. The nature of the sample collection inherently deters adulteration attempts.
Employers can depend on the trustworthiness of these test outcomes.
With a myriad of testing facilities nationwide, including local options in Roanoke, VA, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple and stress-free.
Ensuring clients receive prompt and hassle-free testing experiences.
Our process in Roanoke, VA is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout ordering, testing, and result retrieval.
This addresses any privacy concerns while emphasizing ease of engagement.
In Roanoke, VA, we offer competitive pricing and expedited result services, optimizing value and efficiency for businesses of all sizes.
We provide economic and timely solutions, enhancing client satisfaction.
The precision of hair follicle tests ensures highly accurate detection of substance use, making them a preferred choice for reliable results in Roanoke, VA. These tests efficiently identify drug presence, driving trust in their outcomes.
Hair follicle testing elevates the standard for accurate and quick drug testing practices.
Employers in Roanoke, VA benefit from using hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal exposure, and promoting a safer work environment.
This approach offers both compliance and confidence in employment practices.
