Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Armstrongs Mills, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair sampling is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged profile of substance usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands. Harvested from near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing. For EtG analysis, additional examinations, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it’s exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The four critical stages in processing drug test results in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the process of integrating a sample into the lab system. This process confirms the sample was properly sealed and transported, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. All samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening step, more hair is extracted from the original sample and primed for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at a smaller concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.

Confirmation for any positive screen result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 certifications.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection range.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, ensuring higher result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: Provides a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Influences such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Armstrongs Mills, OH, the advantages of hair testing become evident.

• A broader detection window offers a more comprehensive look at an individual's history.
• Enhanced reliability as urine tests can be influenced by short-term abstinence.
• Consistently accurate results ensure employers can make informed decisions.

Ultimately, hair testing's robust detection capabilities make it superior.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a key advantage for businesses in Armstrongs Mills, OH.

• It captures drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a panoramic view of substance habits.
• Employers gain insights into long-term patterns, not just recent activity.

This extended window helps in evaluating an applicant's or employee's overall compliance with company drug policies more effectively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests are highly tamper-resistant, reducing the likelihood of altered samples in Armstrongs Mills, OH.

• The process makes it challenging to substitute or adulterate samples.
• Ensures that results are authentic and reliable, providing peace of mind to employers.

This method offers a dependable way to screen employees, safeguarding the integrity of the testing procedure.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing locations in Armstrongs Mills, OH, and across the nation, access to hair follicle testing is hassle-free.

• Wide network of centers ensures prompt service.
• Testing is straightforward with minimal travel needed.
• A seamless experience from collection to results.

Our network facilitates quick and efficient testing for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Hair follicle testing offers a simple and confidential process in Armstrongs Mills, OH.

• Ordering and appointment scheduling are user-friendly.
• The collection process is discreet, maintaining privacy.
• Results are handled confidentially and delivered securely.

This approach addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Armstrongs Mills, OH, ensures excellent value for employers of all sizes.

• Competitive pricing structures make testing accessible.
• Rapid result delivery streamlines hiring and compliance processes.
• Quality services at cost-effective rates.

Businesses benefit from effective, budget-friendly testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Armstrongs Mills, OH, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. Results are delivered swiftly, ensuring timely decision-making.

• High accuracy is achieved through advanced analysis techniques.
• Quick result turnover minimizes downtime for employers.
• Reliable results foster trust in the testing process.

Employers benefit from the fast, accurate detections that hair follicle tests provide, helping to maintain a drug-free workplace efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Armstrongs Mills, OH, using hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind.

• It supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• Reduces potential legal risks by providing accurate and court-admissible results.
• Promotes a safer work environment for all employees.

Through reliable and comprehensive testing, employers can maintain workplace standards.

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