Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential technique for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of intoxicants by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Gathering hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to obtain 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. Our reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial management of a sample into a lab's system occurs. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug presence in most samples, a positive screening must be validated for court acceptance. Any samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is conducted using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation if needed. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bethany, OH
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection with extended reliability. Its capacity to detect substances accurately over a more extended period offers a more comprehensive insight than traditional methods, enhancing detection efficiency in substance identification.
Extended Detection Window in Bethany, OH
Hair follicle testing offers an outstanding detection period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history. This extended window surpasses that of urine tests, allowing businesses to make informed decisions about potential and current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bethany, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are designed to significantly mitigate the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring results that are both reliable and indisputable. This method provides a trustworthy framework for gathering drug use data, fostering confidence in the integrity of test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bethany, OH
Discover the convenience of our extensive network of nationwide testing centers that ensures accessible and straightforward services. Local and national reach provides swift, hassle-free testing solutions, contributing to an easier and more efficient testing experience in Bethany, OH.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bethany, OH
Experience a straightforward and private hair follicle testing process from order to result reception. Our service is designed to prioritize confidentiality and ease, ensuring users can complete the process without compromising privacy or enduring complex procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bethany, OH
Benefit from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times that offer exceptional value for businesses, irrespective of size. Our service ensures affordability and promptness, allowing companies to address their drug testing needs without financial strain or extended wait times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bethany, OH
Hair follicle drug testing excels in delivering fast, precise, and reliable outcomes. Highly accurate in identifying substance use, these tests ensure swift and dependable results, empowering individuals and organizations with confidence in their drug testing processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bethany, OH
Utilizing hair follicle drug tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, decreasing legal risks and promoting a secure working environment. This testing method not only reinforces compliance but also enhances the peace of mind for employers concerned about maintaining a safe and productive workplace.
