Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by locking biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimum sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional measures, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is advisable. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we talk about head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary steps of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This part confirms that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is a rapid initial assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is affordable and can exclude drug use in most instances, a positive result must be confirmed for court validity. Presumptively positive samples in Screening must go through a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bairdstown, OH The advantages of hair testing over traditional urine testing are clear. Hair tests offer longer detection windows, picking up on substance use that occurred weeks or even months prior. In contrast, urine tests only detect recent use, limiting their effectiveness in assessing habitual drug use.
Moreover, hair tests boast higher accuracy, reducing false negatives and positives, thus providing reliable results. For comprehensive and dependable drug testing, hair samples stand as the superior method.
Extended Detection Window in Bairdstown, OH One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its capability to reveal drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This broader window allows employers to get a clear picture of ongoing substance use rather than just recent activity.
This extended timeframe is crucial for employers seeking to understand an applicant's or employee's pattern of substance use, offering insights into long-term behavior rather than sporadic incidents of drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bairdstown, OH Hair follicle testing is notably resistant to manipulation, making it an ideal choice for employers who need reliable results. Unlike other testing methods that may be tampered with, hair samples provide a secure and verifiable means of detecting substance use.
By choosing hair testing, businesses can be assured that the results they receive are authentic and free from adulteration, safeguarding the integrity of their drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bairdstown, OH With an extensive network of testing centers spread across the nation, including local facilities in Bairdstown, accessing our services is convenient and hassle-free. Employers and individuals can quickly schedule tests at nearby locations.
This vast network ensures that wherever you are, quality testing services are within reach, allowing for timely and efficient drug testing without logistical challenges.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bairdstown, OH The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle drug tests is streamlined and private. Our system is designed to protect personal information throughout the testing cycle, ensuring confidentiality at every step.
Ease of use is paramount; from scheduling an appointment to obtaining results, each stage is simple and secure, addressing any privacy concerns and making the testing process as user-friendly as possible.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bairdstown, OH Our competitive pricing structures make hair follicle testing accessible for companies of all sizes, delivering excellent value and swift turnaround times. The balance of affordability and efficiency ensures businesses receive high-quality testing without financial strain.
Quick processing and results distribution mean less waiting, helping companies make informed decisions faster, enhancing overall operational workflow.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bairdstown, OH Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy and rapid results. Their ability to detect a wide array of substances with precision provides confidence and peace of mind for employers and individuals alike. This is the preferred choice for those valuing accuracy and efficiency in drug detection.
The advanced technology in hair testing ensures swift results without compromising on precision. Employers can rely on these tests to deliver accurate outcomes that reflect true substance use history, enhancing decision-making with trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bairdstown, OH By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers ensure strict adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only minimizes legal risks but also contributes to a safer working environment, alleviating concerns around compliance and safety.
Adopting this testing method demonstrates a commitment to a healthy workplace, offering peace of mind to employers about the trustworthiness of their workforce and potential hires.
