Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term biomarkers within its growing fibers, allowing it to showcase a history of substance use. By collecting hair near the scalp, it can offer an up to 3-month detection window for substances like alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily adulterated, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands close to the scalp provides about 100mg, ideal for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panel tests, a specimen size of 150mg is ideal. It's advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This step verifies that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't provide.
Screening acts as a primary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening must be verified for legal matters. Presumptive positives from Screening need additional confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are withdrawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.
Conf irmation of any positive result from Screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bergholz, OH
In Bergholz, OH, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. The longer detection window and difficulty in falsifying results make hair testing a preferred option for employers seeking trustworthy outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Bergholz, OH
With a detection window reaching up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Bergholz, OH, offers a thorough view of an individual's substance history. This extended window provides employers with valuable insight into potential or current employees' past drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bergholz, OH
Hair follicle testing in Bergholz, OH, minimizes the risk of sample tampering, offering dependable results. The method's resistance to adulteration ensures the integrity of the test, providing stakeholders with a clear and honest evaluation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bergholz, OH
With locations nationwide and in Bergholz, OH, accessing drug testing is simple and convenient. Our extensive network allows for quick, hassle-free visits to local centers, ensuring efficient service for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bergholz, OH
In Bergholz, OH, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering to results, the procedure respects user confidentiality, making it easy and worry-free for everyone involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bergholz, OH
Bergholz, OH, offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in hair follicle testing. These factors ensure excellent value for companies of all sizes, coupled with swift service delivery for rapid results.
Fast and Accurate Testing in Bergholz, OH
In Bergholz, OH, hair follicle tests are prized for their precision and speed. They provide highly accurate substance detection, ensuring timely results for those who rely on them. Hair testing's credibility stems from its ability to consistently identify drug use, giving peace of mind to organizations and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bergholz, OH
Employers in Bergholz, OH, benefit from hair follicle testing by maintaining compliance with drug-free policies, lowering legal risks, and enhancing workplace safety. This testing method ensures a secure and trustworthy environment.
