Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized for its effectiveness, hair testing has become a key technique in detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands that are continuously growing capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal data for up to about a 3-month period concerning alcohol and drug consumption. Hair is easily collectable, fairly tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides around 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jewelry scale. In cases where scalp hair is not retrievable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When the term head hair is used, it specifically denotes scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair forms (such as facial hair, underarm hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The pivotal stages in a laboratory's drug test procedure encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial act of entering a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening accomplishes a primary swift examination to identify drug misuse. Although Screening effectively excludes drug use for most samples affordably, any positive screen needs confirmation to hold up in a legal context. Any Screening samples that are initial positive require a confirmation process.
With a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the challenge of conducting hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening result proceeds via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when needed. The full laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation observes CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", it is actually the hair strand that is scrutinized, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bluffton, OH, hair follicle testing often surpasses urine testing thanks to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which may only capture recent substance use, hair tests provide a comprehensive account of drug use over a longer duration. Their accuracy and reliability make them an excellent choice for thorough screening, ensuring that employers can trust the results for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Bluffton, OH, offers an extended detection window, detecting drug use up to 90 days back. Employers benefit from an expansive view of an applicant or employee's drug use history, making it easier to assess long-term behavior rather than recent use. This prolonged detection capability sets hair testing apart, providing more substantial data for better-informed employment decisions.
In Bluffton, OH, the hair follicle testing approach significantly curtails the potential for tampering. Its robustness lies in the challenge of adulterating samples, making results both reliable and unquestionable. The secure collection process further reinforces the credibility of these tests, offering employers confidence in the integrity of the results, supporting workplace safety and policy compliance.
With convenient testing sites spread across the country, including specific locations in Bluffton, OH, our hair follicle testing services are easily accessible. The nationwide reach guarantees prompt, hassle-free services. Clients benefit from the ease of finding nearby centers, ensuring efficient testing without long wait times or traveling extensively, thereby delivering convenience and reliability.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Bluffton, OH, is simple and private, easing concerns about confidentiality. Ordering tests is straightforward, and results are delivered directly, preserving privacy and trust. The ease of use and discreet handling cater to all individuals, ensuring that personal information stays protected while obtaining reliable testing outcomes.
In Bluffton, OH, competitive pricing and fast test results underscore the value of hair follicle drug testing. Our affordable pricing structure accommodates businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent cost-effectiveness. The rapid turnaround times offer companies peace of mind, equipping them with timely results that contribute to informed decision-making without breaking the budget.
The precision and quickness of hair follicle drug tests in Bluffton, OH stand out. Hair testing offers high accuracy in substance detection, delivering swift results that employers can rely on. Speed is crucial for businesses, allowing for timely decision-making. The straightforward procedure ensures efficient processing, offering reliable outcomes that retain their integrity across each analysis phase.
For Bluffton, OH employers, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safer environment. This method ensures peace of mind, aligning with industry standards to minimize liability concerns. Employers can maintain a stringent stance against substance abuse, thus enhancing overall workplace safety and integrity.
