Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Austintown, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a timeline for substance use, capturing markers within the hair strand fibers as it grows. Hair collected near the scalp can yield a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and several drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is sufficient to produce 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's advisable to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If head hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we strictly refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of drug test outcomes involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning centers on the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step covers verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data input omitted by a digital chain of custody system.

Screening features an initial rapid assessment for commonly abused drugs. As an economical method, Screening helps exclude drug use in most samples; however, positive results must undergo confirmation for legal validity. Samples flagging as presumably positive in Screening require an additional confirmation step.

For a sample marked as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug analysis as one of the most complex methods to execute.

To confirm any positive screening result, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed. Samples that are tentatively positive are subjected to washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification as well as accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests enable detection of drug use for as long as 90 days, contrasting with urine tests that have a more limited detection span.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Provides historical data: It delivers insights into an individual's drug habits over time, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become evident in hair only after about 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug analysis is typically pricier than other drug testing options.
• Variations in results: Attributes like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle situated below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing excel over urine tests in Austintown, OH? Accuracy and reliability set it apart. Unlike urine tests, hair testing tracks substance usage over months, providing a comprehensive history and reducing chances for manipulation. Employing advanced methodologies, each test ensures that employers receive verifiable and trustworthy data effectively.

Extended Detection Window

Offering an unprecedented detection window, hair follicle testing in Austintown, OH, identifies drug use extending up to 90 days. This expansive timeline allows employers a detailed view of the substance habits of prospective or current employees, providing insights through a chronicled approach unavailable through other testing methods, such as urine testing.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Austintown, OH, is a robust method for minimizing tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the process significantly reduces the risk of adulteration. The method ensures results are both reliable and incontestable, offering companies a sense of security in the accuracy of employee assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide testing locations, including Austintown, OH, offer unparalleled convenience. With testing centers strategically positioned, clients benefit from quick and hassle-free access to our services, reducing travel constraints and optimizing efficiency, ensuring testing can be conducted promptly and effectively.

Simple, Confidential Process

Harnessing a simple, confidential process, residents in Austintown, OH, find ordering, testing, and result retrieval straightforward. Each step prioritizes privacy and ease, seamlessly integrating into daily routines and addressing any privacy or convenience concerns clients or businesses may have.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Austintown, OH, our affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround is a compelling offer. Competitive pricing models ensure all companies, regardless of size, maximize value while minimizing waiting times for results. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency positions us as a choice partner for drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Austintown, OH, hair follicle tests are renowned for their speed and precision. With state-of-the-art technology, these assessments evolve in both efficiency and accuracy, quickly detecting any substance misuse. Fast results and high precision are integral to their value, ensuring that employers stay informed about their employees' practices, maintaining a reliable and safe working environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Austintown, OH, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace mandates. This testing minimizes legal liabilities while enhancing workplace safety environments, maintaining standards, and protecting both business interests and collective employee well-being.

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