Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses are recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers as they grow, offering a historical record of substance use over extended periods. When sampled near the scalp, hair can potentially detect alcohol and drug usage within a three-month timeframe. The collection process is straightforward, the chances of tampering are low, and the samples are easy to transport.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest the scalp yields about 100mg, which is an optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation testing. For EtG tests, add-on panels, or testing exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we imply scalp hair exclusively. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other hair types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the incorporation of the sample into the laboratory's workflow. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and inputting any necessary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid check for drug substances. While this stage is an economical means to exclude drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive Screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drug substances are separated from the hair at much lower concentration levels than found in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), distinguishing hair drug screening as a particularly challenging procedure.
Positive results from the Screening stage are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, complies with both the CAP Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Reminder: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bellevue, OH, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are clear. Hair testing outshines urine analysis with unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Employers favor this method for precise drug use insights, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Bellevue, OH, provide an extended detection window of up to 90 days for drug use, offering employers a detailed view of substance histories. This retrospective ability surpasses other testing methods, enabling informed assessments of candidates and employees.
In Bellevue, OH, hair follicle testing reduces the risk of sample tampering significantly. Offering results that are both reliable and unquestionable, this method is resistant to sample adulteration, making it a trusted choice for accurate drug testing.
Accessible testing services in Bellevue, OH, are ensured through our convenient nationwide centers, including local options, facilitating quick and hassle-free access. Testing becomes straightforward with our strategically located centers.
The simple and confidential hair follicle testing process in Bellevue, OH, is designed for privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step is closely guarded to ensure client confidentiality.
In Bellevue, OH, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for all business sizes. This cost-effective service delivers excellent value and fosters trust through timely results.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Bellevue, OH, are unrivaled. Accurate and fast, these tests efficiently detect substance use. Hair tests outperform other methods, particularly with their reliable results, offering clients high accuracy in drug detection.
For employers in Bellevue, OH, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting safety. This testing supports corporate policies and enhances the workplace environment systematically.
