Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances like alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to alteration, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and fulfills any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court validity. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positive results at the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug tests are the most challenging to conduct.
The Confirmation of positive screening results is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo cleaning prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is carried out under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Andersonville, OH, offers advantages over traditional urine tests. Its longer detection window catches substance use patterns over 90 days, unlike urine tests which detect recent use. Employers gain comprehensive insights into an individual's drug history. Also, as urine samples are easier to tamper with, hair tests are reliably resistant to sample manipulation, ensuring accurate results.
Hair follicle testing allows detection of drug use for up to 90 days, offering a detailed view into a person's substance habits. Employers in Andersonville, OH, favor this method as it provides a longer look-back window compared to alternatives like urine tests. Such extensive detection capability ensures a better understanding of an applicant or employee's history, aiding in making informed employment decisions.
In Andersonville, OH, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant drug testing method. Unlike urine samples, hair tests are not easily adulterated, reducing the chance of sample manipulation. The observable collection process guarantees authenticity, providing reliable results that are hard to contest. This makes hair follicle testing a trusted choice for ensuring integrity in drug testing processes.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with its widespread testing centers in Andersonville, OH, and nationwide. Easy access to local facilities simplifies the testing process for individuals and companies. Our locations offer prompt service, making hair follicle testing necessary and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures that testing is accessible and efficient for everyone, everywhere.
In Andersonville, OH, our hair follicle testing offers a simple yet confidential process. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is streamlined and secure. Privacy concerns are addressed head-on, ensuring all personal details are handled with care. This straightforward approach not only respects individual privacy but also demonstrates our commitment to providing a user-friendly testing experience.
Offering competitive rates and rapid results, hair follicle testing in Andersonville, OH, balances affordability and efficiency. Our attractive pricing model ensures that businesses of various sizes can access these vital services without financial strain. Coupled with swift turnaround times, our service delivers outstanding value, ensuring clients receive prompt and cost-effective testing solutions.
In Andersonville, OH, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their swift and precise results. The high accuracy rate ensures effective substance detection, making them a preferred choice for many employers and individuals. With accredited facilities and meticulous processing, these tests reveal comprehensive substance histories efficiently, offering clarity and assurance for those in need of dependable testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Andersonville, OH, assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method ensures peace of mind by minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. Employers can confidently adhere to zero-tolerance policies, knowing that the extended detection window and reliable results of hair tests support their commitment to a safe and productive environment.
