Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair for testing purposes has emerged as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record for alcohol and drugs due to the encapsulation of biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can offer roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easily shippable.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches, or about 200 hair strands sized akin to a #2 pencil, near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for screening and confirmation. In cases involving EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core stages integral to laboratory processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This covers ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Screening serves as an economical method to preclude drug use for the bulk of samples, but for court admissions, a positive screen necessitates confirmation. Samples that appear positive in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug testing is notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle testing surpass those of conventional urine tests in Brentwood, OH. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, giving organizations confidence in the validity of the results. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle analysis covers a substantial period, making it difficult to obscure drug usage patterns.
Extended detection periods set hair tests apart, capturing a comprehensive view of substance use. This method empowers employers to make informed decisions supported by detailed and dependable data.
One standout feature of hair follicle testing in Brentwood, OH, is its extended detection window. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis can reveal substance use for up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug history.
The prolonged detection capability of hair tests allows for the assessment of consistent or past drug usage. Employers benefit from this comprehensive insight, gaining a fuller perspective on an applicant or employee's suitability.
The security advantages of hair follicle tests in Brentwood, OH, lie in their tamper-resistant methodology. This significantly decreases the likelihood of adulteration compared to conventional testing methods. As a result, hair testing produces trustworthy and irrefutable results.
Hair sampling eliminates common cheating tactics associated with other tests, reinforcing the integrity of the process. This assurance in results helps safeguard against fraudulent practices and maintains a fair assessment environment.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing in Brentwood, OH, is convenient and straightforward. Our widespread locations ensure quick and hassle-free access to our services, accommodating local needs efficiently.
Whether you're nearby or in another city, our strategically placed centers provide easy access to testing solutions, ensuring that all clients receive prompt and effective services when needed.
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Brentwood, OH, is designed to be simple and confidential. Clients can trust in the privacy and straightforward nature of the process, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Receiving results is handled with discretion, ensuring smooth and secure communication. This focus on confidentiality ensures that individuals and businesses can rely on the integrity of the service while maintaining necessary privacy standards.
In Brentwood, OH, hair follicle testing is available at affordable pricing with fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value for businesses of any size, ensuring that drug testing needs are met without exceeding budgets.
These efficient and cost-effective solutions support companies in maintaining compliance and safety. The rapid processing ensures that organizations receive timely information, facilitating informed decision-making without financial strain.
In Brentwood, OH, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their ability to swiftly detect substance use with high precision makes them a preferred choice. The robust accuracy of hair tests ensures dependable detection of drug intake, offering an effective method for organizations to maintain their safety protocols.
The efficiency of hair testing is unparalleled in shedding light on an individual’s history of drug use. With rapid processing, you can expect quick results that don't compromise accuracy. This reliability is crucial for employers and institutions requiring stringent drug-free policies.
Employers in Brentwood, OH, gain peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies. This method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety by ensuring employees adhere to drug-free standards.
The reliability of hair testing supports organizational efforts to maintain productivity and trust. Implementing these tests contributes to a secure work environment and aligns with regulatory requirements.