Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a long-term record of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, it can indicate drug or alcohol presence for up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands near the scalp, provides approximately 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For tests involving EtG additions and/or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. The term “head hair†refers exclusively to scalp hair, while “body hair†encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This includes ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment were intact, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in legal contexts. Samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample indicate potential positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Akron, NY
Hair testing delivers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. With extended detection windows, hair tests provide comprehensive insights, showcasing a broader history of substance use, crucial for informed evaluations.
Extended Detection Period in Akron, NY
The ability of hair follicle testing to track drug use for up to 90 days offers employers a thorough overview of one's substance history. This prolonged detection period allows workplaces to maintain vigilance and uphold their drug-free policies effectively.
Resistance to Tampering in Akron, NY
Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration. Their nature of collection reduces tampering chances, ensuring consistent and reliable results that stakeholders can rely on with confidence.
Convenient Testing Locations in Akron, NY
The accessibility of our nationwide and local testing centers facilitates easy and quick access to these services. Whether you are in Akron or elsewhere, our centers are designed for hassle-free testing.
Confidential Testing Process in Akron, NY
The testing process is simple and confidential, focusing on privacy and ease. From ordering the test to receiving results, clients in Akron, NY can rest assured knowing that their privacy is carefully protected throughout the process.
Affordable Services in Akron, NY
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times set our testing services apart. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our economical solutions, while still receiving swift and reliable testing services, enhancing their overall value.
Accurate and Quick Results in Akron, NY
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their high precision in identifying substance use. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the quick turnaround of results, ensuring prompt decision-making. The ability to pinpoint substance use accurately makes hair testing a favored choice.
Ensuring Compliance in Akron, NY
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers in Akron can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace security, contributing to a safer and more reliable work environment.
