Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a significant method for detecting alcohol and drug use, hair testing offers insight into substance exposure over time. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a historical record of substance use. When gathered close to the scalp, hair samples can reflect drug or alcohol usage over a roughly 3-month period. The process of collecting hair samples is straightforward, with low risks of tampering, and they are easily shippable.
A 1.5-inch segment, typically 200 hairs (equivalent to a #2 pencil’s diameter) nearest to the scalp, provides approximately 100mg, which is optimal for initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG testing or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. The sample is best weighed on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, issuing a unique random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any missing data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment designed to identify potential drug abuse. Although it is a more economical approach to eliminate most samples from suspicion, a positive screen requires confirmation before legal acceptance. Any indications of drug presence during Screening must undergo further verification.
In cases where the Screening results are presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for further analysis in the Extraction phase. This step isolates drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), demonstrating the complexity of conducting hair drug analyses.
Verification of positive Screening results is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is washed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often described as “hair follicle tests,†this test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Baltimore, OH
Comparing hair follicle tests with urine testing reveals superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a broader detection window and are less prone to tampering. These tests can give employers, courts, and other institutions more confidence in their drug screening process, establishing true zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Urine testing falls short on duration detection, often missing long-term use, while hair testing spans up to 90 days.
Extended Detection Window in Baltimore, OH
Hair follicle drug testing provides an exceptional detection duration, covering up to 90 days of substance use, whereas other methods, like urine tests, only offer a shorter window. This long-term view is particularly beneficial for employers in Baltimore, OH, aiming to comprehend an individual's historical drug usage.
Such comprehensive insights help ensure informed decision-making based on thorough substance history analysis.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Baltimore, OH
Hair follicle tests stand out for their resistance to tampering, drastically reducing the chances of adulteration. This leads to reliable and indisputable outcomes, offering a robust method for drug detection in Baltimore, OH.
The integrity of these test results provides stakeholders a high level of confidence in the data, enabling them to uphold strict compliance effortlessly.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Baltimore, OH
Accredited Drug Testing offers the ease of nationwide centers, including those in Baltimore, OH, to facilitate quick and accessible drug testing services. Our widespread network of locations ensures you can find a testing center with minimal hassle, saving time and effort for individuals and employers alike.
The convenience of local access promotes efficient testing processes seamlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Baltimore, OH
Ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results in Baltimore, OH, is designed to be straightforward and private. The process respects privacy concerns, offering a seamless experience without compromising on confidentiality.
Individuals can proceed with assurance, knowing their information is handled with utmost discretion, contributing to an overall stress-free testing ordeal.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Baltimore, OH
Accredited Drug Testing's hair follicle tests are competitively priced, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing on quality or timeliness. In Baltimore, OH, our fast turnaround times provide value, offering companies, large and small, peace of mind.
This affordability, coupled with swift results, ensures organizations can meet their testing needs promptly while staying within budget constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Baltimore, OH
With hair follicle drug testing, efficiency meets accuracy in Baltimore, OH. The precision of this method ensures detection of substance use with greater clarity, providing trusted results quickly. This is crucial for time-sensitive scenarios, delivering peace of mind with its dependable speed and accuracy.
Hair tests eliminate guesswork, offering results that stakeholders can rely on, ensuring optimal performance for workplace policies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Baltimore, OH
Employing hair follicle testing in the workplace ensures adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks while fostering a safer environment in Baltimore, OH. These tests offer employers peace of mind, bolstering their commitment to maintaining a healthy and secure workplace.
The method aligns with rigorous compliance standards, making it a vital tool against substance misuse at work.
