Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair serves as an extended record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s process. This step includes assuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not included in an electronic chain of custody arrangement.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for it to be legally accepted. Any samples presumed positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration when compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a highly challenging methodology.
Validation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle
Why Hair Testing Beats Urine Testing in Antioch, OH: Hair tests offer distinct advantages over traditional urine ones. They boast superior accuracy and reliability, delivering top-notch detection results.
The precision of hair tests reduces the likelihood of false positives and ensures a thorough assessment of long-term substance use, unlike urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Antioch, OH, sets hair follicle tests apart. Spanning up to 90 days, this testing method provides a thorough insight into a person's drug use history.
Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or existing employee's behaviors, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Antioch, OH, is a fundamental advantage of hair follicle testing. Its resilience against adulteration ensures results remain trustworthy.
The integrity of hair samples is difficult to compromise, unlike urine samples which are often susceptible to manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local centers in Antioch, OH, offer easy access to our services. Our extensive network ensures timely and hassle-free testing for everyone.
Whether local or traveling, individuals can locate a center swiftly, underscoring our commitment to accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process in Antioch, OH, underscores the privacy concerns often associated with drug testing. We ensure a seamless, discreet procedure for ordering, collecting samples, and receiving outputs.
Each step prioritizes client confidentiality, enhancing user trust and reassurance.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Antioch, OH, are pivotal elements of our service promise. Competitive rates provide remarkable value, and our swift processing satisfies client expectations.
Businesses of various sizes benefit from these factors, ensuring budget alignment and expeditious service.
Fast and Reliable Results in Antioch, OH, are a hallmark of hair follicle drug tests. The advanced technology not only ensures quick analysis but also delivers highly accurate insights into substance use.
The rapid turnaround time in testing guarantees employers receive prompt updates, crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Antioch, OH, are directly tied to comprehensive hair follicle testing. Adopting this method guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
Reducing potential legal liabilities and enhancing safety, it fosters a healthier work environment for all.
