Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Epworth Heights, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is gaining recognition as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a longitudinal record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample of about 200 strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) from nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair only. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (incl. facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process comprises four principal stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses processing a sample into a lab's system. This entails confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for judicial validity. Any samples that suggest positivity in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample seem positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timespan: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests, which have a briefer detection span.
• Cheat-proofing: It's quite challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, leading to more precise results.
• Offers historical data: It reveals a pattern of drug consumption over a duration, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: There's a lag of approximately 5-7 days before drugs become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally incurs higher costs than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites within the hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing in Epworth Heights, OH. It provides superior detection accuracy by identifying drug use over a longer timeframe. Employers, courts, and individuals on probation benefit from its reliable nature, ensuring safety and compliance with drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Epworth Heights, OH, makes it a valuable tool for employers. It can trace drug use up to 90 days, offering a detailed overview of an individual's substance history, which aids in making informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Epworth Heights, OH, offers a tamper-resistant approach, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that the results are trustworthy and can be depended upon, minimizing doubts in drug testing results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing centers nationwide, including local sites in Epworth Heights, OH, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures quick and easy testing, accommodating the needs of individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Epworth Heights, OH, is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, each step prioritizes privacy, addressing any concerns and ensuring a seamless experience for users, promoting ease and confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Epworth Heights, OH, hair follicle testing boasts affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. This combination delivers excellent value for organizations of all sizes, ensuring both budget-friendliness and prompt results, a cost-effective approach to drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Epworth Heights, OH, hair follicle tests are known for their precision and speed, providing high accuracy in detecting substance use. The advanced techniques used make these tests a preferred choice for those seeking fast and reliable results, offering assurance and efficiency.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Epworth Heights, OH, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind, ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances safety by deterring substance abuse, thus promoting a secure work environment.

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