Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches long consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we refer to head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s framework. It involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any other data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial quick evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptively positive require a subsequent confirmation test.
If the Screening phase results in a presumptive positive outcome, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Brecksville, OH, hair follicle tests are superior to urine tests due to their extended detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which only capture short-term use, hair testing offers a comprehensive view over a longer period. This makes hair testing a reliable choice for employers seeking thorough substance use reports.
Hair follicle testing in Brecksville, OH boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a deeper insight into substance use over time. This empowers employers to have a more nuanced understanding of a candidate's or employee's drug history, aiding informed decisions.
Employing a tamper-resistant method, hair follicle tests in Brecksville, OH ensure the integrity and accuracy of results. Due to the nature of hair testing, the risk of adulteration is significantly minimized, providing employers with trustworthy and uncontestable outcomes.
With convenient testing locations nationwide and locally in Brecksville, OH, accessing our services is hassle-free. Our network ensures quick and easy scheduling, making compliance simple and efficient, no matter where you're based.
In Brecksville, OH, our process remains simple and confidential, maintaining privacy every step of the way. From ordering the test to obtaining results, our practices are user-friendly, catering to concerns of security and discretion for our clients.
Our services in Brecksville, OH offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses. We ensure that companies of varying sizes can benefit from our comprehensive testing solutions without breaking the budget.
In Brecksville, OH, hair follicle drug tests provide fast and accurate results, ensuring reliable detection of substance use. Their precision is unmatched, offering high certainty in determining a person's drug habits. The speed with which results are delivered adds to their appeal, ensuring timely information for important decisions.
For employers in Brecksville, OH, using hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Ensuring adherence not only reduces legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, granting peace of mind and contributing to a more secure business environment.
