Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended historical account of substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When acquired near the scalp, hair can reflect a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, optimal for both screening and further analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond ten, it is advisable to collect 150mg. The specimen should ideally be weighed on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental steps in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This stage checks that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a low-cost method to eliminate drug usage in most cases, positive results obtained in this stage must be verified to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples showing presumptive positives require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other tests (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the sub-scalp follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Adamsville, OH
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. It ensures enhanced detection accuracy and an extensive detection window, all while being more resilient to tampering. Employers aiming for comprehensive substance testing will find it more reliable compared to conventional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Adamsville, OH
The hair follicle testing method is celebrated for its prolonged detection period, spanning up to 90 days. Offering a detailed overview of an employee or candidate's substance use, it equips employers with crucial insights into long-term substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Adamsville, OH
Hair follicle tests are designed to significantly lower the chances of sample tampering. The method is resilient against adulteration, ensuring that the results are not only reliable but unquestionable, bringing peace of mind to employers looking for precise substance use data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Adamsville, OH
With active testing centers located nationwide, including those in Adamsville, OH, accessing testing services is straightforward. Businesses and individuals benefit from an easy, quick, and stress-free testing process designed to fit seamlessly into their schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Adamsville, OH
The hair follicle testing procedure is not only simple but also confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step prioritizes user privacy while maintaining ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding security and transparency.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Adamsville, OH
Our affordable pricing combined with swift turnaround times ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes. By prioritizing cost-effectiveness without compromising quality, we provide peace of mind to companies seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Adamsville, OH
Hair follicle drug tests stand out in precision and speed, providing high accuracy in unveiling substance use. This testing style ensures swift and dependable outcomes, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions efficiently regarding an individual's substance history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Adamsville, OH
Employers can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies via hair follicle testing. This not only minimizes legal liabilities but fosters a safer work environment, offering peace of mind through assured policy adherence and workplace integrity.
