Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers during their growth, providing an extended timeline of substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair offers a retrospective detection period of around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to falsify, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial testing and confirmation purposes. For EtG assessments, additional checks, and/or beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. For precise measurement, utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested. Should scalp hair be absent, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. By scalp hair, we mean hair directly from the head. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into the lab’s workflow by confirming proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any pending data requirements absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial evaluation for drugs. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives necessitate further confirmation.
For samples flagged at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the main sample for the Extraction step. This stage sees the drugs drawn from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral swabs), rendering hair drug testing one of the most complex procedures.
Positive screenings undergo Confirmation using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are cleansed pre-confirmation as warranted. The entire procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is operated under the oversight of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called “hair follicle tests,†the procedure assesses the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brady Lake, OH
Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. Its extended detection period and difficulty in manipulation make it a trusted option. In contrast, urine tests are limited in the duration they can cover, making hair tests a smarter choice.
Extended Detection Window in Brady Lake, OH
One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify substance use over a much longer duration, up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive perspective on their candidates' or employees' substance history, offering more informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brady Lake, OH
Hair follicle tests significantly decrease the potential for sample tampering, offering trustworthy and unequivocal results. This testing method stands out for its ability to resist adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the testing process and elevating the reliability of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brady Lake, OH
Our comprehensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures easy and convenient access for all. Local and national locations guarantee a seamless experience for individuals needing testing services, minimizing hassle and wait times regardless of the location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brady Lake, OH
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving results, each step is designed to protect confidentiality and provide a hassle-free experience, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brady Lake, OH
We offer competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Companies of all sizes benefit from the value and reassurance our tests provide, ensuring efficient and cost-effective testing solutions that meet precise needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brady Lake, OH
Hair follicle drug tests in Brady Lake deliver swift and precise results. Their high accuracy in detecting various substances makes them a preferred choice for ensuring accurate detection. This method provides reliable data efficiently, allowing for a thorough evaluation of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brady Lake, OH
Hair follicle testing aids in maintaining adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Its robust method reduces legal vulnerabilities while promoting a safe work environment. Employers gain peace of mind by implementing this reliable testing method, knowing their strategies are well-founded.
