Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a proficient method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair acts as a recorder, capturing biomarkers of these substances within the strands of the hair as it grows. If collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drug presence. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximate thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is preferred. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair cannot be acquired, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other categories of hair (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily encompasses four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into the laboratory's records. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carrying out any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a screened positive result necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Those that test presumptively positive in the Screening phase must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test supposedly positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction preparation. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening has a higher complexity level.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suggesting a positive result are cleaned before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation in alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bolivar, OH
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability. They provide a longer detection window for substances, up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent use detection.
The non-invasiveness and inability to tamper with hair samples make them more reliable than urine tests, which are susceptible to sample adulteration. Therefore, hair testing is the preferred choice for those seeking definitive results.
Extended Detection Window in Bolivar, OH
Hair follicle tests present a longer detection period compared to other methods, offering a substantial benefit for employers. They capture a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use over 90 days, surpassing the ability scope of urine tests.
This extended detection window is particularly beneficial for assessing the substance history of employees, providing a detailed understanding that assists in making informed personnel decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bolivar, OH
Hair follicle drug tests significantly lower the chances of sample tampering, delivering reliable outcomes. Unlike urine samples, which can be altered, hair samples are virtually tamper-proof, ensuring the integrity of test results.
This tamper-resistant characteristic of hair tests ensures that results remain unquestionable, offering confidence in the testing process and trustworthy evidence for legal and professional requirements.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bolivar, OH
Our network of nationwide testing centers makes it convenient to access hair follicle testing services. No matter where you are, including Bolivar, OH, you can easily and promptly avail of testing.
The widespread availability of our centers ensures hassle-free and swift access to testing, enabling seamless scheduling for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bolivar, OH
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is straightforward and private. We ensure that concerns regarding privacy and ease of use are addressed throughout the testing journey.
Customers can trust the confidentiality of their test results, securing their privacy while obtaining the necessary information without hassle.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bolivar, OH
We offer competitive pricing on hair follicle testing, ensuring excellent value for clients of all sizes. Despite the affordability, there’s no compromise on quick turnaround times for test results.
Our cost-effective testing offers peace of mind, delivering comprehensive results promptly without straining budgets, guaranteeing quality service and manageable expenses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bolivar, OH
Hair follicle drug tests offer incredible precision in detecting substances. With results that are quick and dependable, these tests identify drug use accurately. The hair matrix retains drug markers longer, ensuring rapid and trustworthy results for individuals and organizations in Bolivar.
The high accuracy of hair tests provides peace of mind, knowing that results are not only fast but also highly trustworthy. Their capability to identify even the smallest traces of substances makes them a preferred choice for accurate testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bolivar, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. They mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety, providing a sense of compliance security for employers.
The accurate results from hair tests give employers the confidence that their workforce remains compliant with company policies, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
