Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol use. It captures a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair provides a detection window of roughly three months for alcohol and drug usage. Collecting hair samples is simple, hard to manipulate, and convenient to send.
An ideal screening and confirmation sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment with around 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp, totaling 100mg. For EtG tests, extensions, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is preferred. It's best to verify the weight using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be an alternative. Head hair pertains to scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the procedure of integrating a sample into a lab's system. It checks that the sample has been sealed and transported correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase performs a preliminary analysis to detect drug abuse. Although this is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result from Screening must be validated for court admissibility. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in the Screening demand additional confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive finding in the Screening step, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a challenging procedure.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Antwerp, OH
The advantages of hair testing over conventional urine tests are significant. Hair testing offers superior detection ability and reliability, ensuring a more thorough and error-free analysis. Employers and other entities benefit from hair tests' precision.
Extended Detection Timeline in Antwerp, OH
The capability of hair follicle testing to expose drug use over an extended timeframe of up to 90 days offers businesses detailed insights into an individual’s substance history. This broader scope of detection is invaluable for both pre-employment and ongoing assessments.
A Tamper-Resistant Testing Solution in Antwerp, OH
Hair follicle tests present a robust deterrent to sample tampering, ensuring that the results are authentic and trustworthy. This method minimizes the risk of falsification, providing confidence in the testing results.
Accessible Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in Antwerp, OH
With our extensive network of testing centers, getting tested has never been easier. Our facilities provide convenient and quick access to services, ensuring a smooth experience.
Effortless and Confidential Testing in Antwerp, OH
Our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and private, ensuring clients' comfort and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed with simplicity and discretion in mind.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Turnaround in Antwerp, OH
We offer cost-effective pricing along with speedy result turnaround, making our hair follicle testing an exceptional value proposition for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing.
Precision and Rapid Results in Antwerp, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and precision, delivering impressive accuracy in determining substance use. This method provides faster and more reliable results compared to traditional methods, leading the way in drug testing efficiency.
Ensuring Compliance and Confidence for Employers in Antwerp, OH
Employers gain assurance from hair follicle testing’s role in upholding workplace drug policies, minimizing legal exposures, and promoting a safe, substance-free work environment.
