Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a strong tool for detecting substance use, hair testing offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it can provide a detection timeframe of nearly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically discussing scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of processing a sample in a lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplemental data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick check for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in court. Samples that show presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. During this phase, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any initial positive screen is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, presumptively positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under the review of CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Bartles, OH, the former proves superior in terms of detection accuracy. Hair testing not only enhances reliability but also offers a broader insight into an individual's drug history. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis covers a wider detection timeframe, ensuring employers receive a clearer picture of potential substance use. This makes hair testing an invaluable tool against conventional urine methods, providing unmatched investigative depth.
Hair follicle testing in Bartles, OH, offers an outstanding detection window, capable of unveiling drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended timeframe provides employers with a detailed glimpse into an individual's substance history. It serves not just as a diagnostic tool but as a means to gauge long-term compliance and behavior patterns. The expansive window enhances the detection capabilities beyond the immediate, offering a longitudinal perspective on substance use.
In Bartles, OH, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring the results are both credible and uncontested. Unlike other testing methods, the integrity of hair sample collection remains intact, providing peace of mind regarding the authenticity of the results. This characteristic fortifies the test's reliability, leaving no room for doubt in the outcomes obtained.
Bartles, OH residents benefit from the convenience of our nationwide testing centers. These facilities, spread across various locations, enable quick and stress-free access to testing services. Having centers within reach enhances the ease with which individuals can participate in drug testing, sparing them unnecessary travel and hassle. Our widespread availability ensures that testing services remain accessible to all, irrespective of their geographic location.
In Bartles, OH, the process of undergoing a hair follicle drug test is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step is designed to respect privacy and provide ease of use. We ensure that individuals find the process hassle-free while maintaining discretion, addressing any privacy concerns effectively. The streamlined procedure underlines our commitment to user confidence and convenience.
Our hair follicle testing services in Bartles, OH, boast affordable pricing paired with impressive turnaround times. Companies, regardless of size, can benefit from our competitive rates without compromising on the quality of results. Our efficient processing ensures that results are both quickly available and reliable, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses seeking thorough drug testing services. The economical pricing emphasizes the value we provide.
In Bartles, OH, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its accuracy and quick results. Known for its reliability, this form of testing can swiftly identify substance usage with precision. The results garnered are both rapid and highly trustworthy, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a comprehensive testing solution. The ability to attain results in an efficient manner underscores the test's capability to meet immediate needs effectively.
For employers in Bartles, OH, adopting hair follicle testing can assure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method aids in minimizing legal liabilities while promoting a safer working environment. By implementing rigorous testing, employers receive reassurance regarding workforce compliance, thereby enhancing overall security and productivity. The peace of mind derived from such dependable methods fortifies the reliability of company policies.
