Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Through embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair establishes a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp should yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When addressing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to any non-scalp hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages in processing laboratory drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical technique to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples suspected as positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In the event a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (for example, urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening poses the greatest difficulty among methodologies.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation with the methodologies of GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory procedure is validated by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Akron, MI
When weighing the benefits of hair follicle testing against traditional urine tests, hair tests offer significantly better detection accuracy. Capable of identifying drug use over an extended window, they are unbeatable for reliability. Their advanced accuracy not only aids in catching substance use but also surpass standard methods.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a richer insight into drug use patterns. This advanced method is preferred by employers in Akron, offering a robust tool against drug misuse and ensuring stricter compliance with no-drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Akron, MI
Hair follicle testing shines with its unparalleled ability to reveal drug use over a 90-day period. Unlike shorter windows in traditional methods, this approach gives a holistic view of an individual's substance history, essential for employers seeking thorough assessments.
This long detection period allows managers in Akron to gauge ongoing substance habits more effectively, offering a broader assessment to make informed decisions on employment, ensuring a safer and more responsible workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Akron, MI
Hair follicle testing is virtually immune to sample tampering, a key advantage in minimizing the risk of adulteration. This method provides results that are both credible and steadfast, limiting room for manipulation and thus ensuring test integrity.
For entities in Akron, this test ensures they receive untainted results that reflect true substance use, safeguarding against tampering attempts and contributing to foolproof testing and evaluation processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Akron, MI
With numerous testing centers disperse nationwide, including local accessibility in Akron, drug testing is simplified. These facilities guarantee swift, easy, and complication-free access to testing, regardless of location.
Clients benefit from the widespread network of testing centers, ensuring that testing remains convenient and prompt, removing geographic barriers and providing efficient avenues for fulfilling testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Akron, MI
The straightforward and discreet procedure to order, undertake, and receive drug testing results ensures clients' privacy and ease of use. This seamless process addresses the need for confidentiality throughout every step.
Residents in Akron can partake in a testing experience that's streamlined and secure. Preserving anonymity and protecting personal data, this user-friendly process ensures discretion and builds trust with those involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Akron, MI
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times confirm our commitment to offering great value for businesses of all sizes in Akron. The blend of cost-effectiveness and speed makes our services appealing to budget-conscious companies.
With focused attention on delivering economical solutions without compromising quality, companies enjoy cost-efficiency alongside quick, reliable results that ensure robust decision-making, beneficial for all-size enterprises.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Akron, MI
Hair follicle tests are known for their quick and precise outcomes, ensuring high efficiency in drug detection procedures. These tests provide results with exceptional accuracy, identifying substance usage with confidence. With such reliability, both individuals and organizations in Akron can trust in receiving prompt insights into drug patterns.
Speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them a go-to choice for those seeking clarity and factual data on drug usage. This excellence in testing translates to minimal waiting times and reliable results, fostering trust and reducing anxiety over results accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Akron, MI
Employers in Akron can secure compliance with workplace drug-free policies with hair follicle testing, effectively reducing legal risks and enhancing the safety of their work environments. This method acts as a guardian of workplace integrity.
Incorporating hair follicle testing stands as a strategic measure for employers, providing peace of mind through its reliability and helping maintain trust and productivity, creating a more secure and compliant workspace.