Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. The hair shaft captures biomarkers during hair fiber growth, offering a chronological record of drug and alcohol usage. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing around 200 strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will produce 100mg, which is the optimal specimen for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG evaluations, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to measure the specimen weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair might be utilized. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The comprehensive lab process for analyzing a drug test result involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the primary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This stage includes confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any other data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial, swift examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical technique to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo cleaning prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair endorsement and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequent references to them as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Brice, OH, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests thanks to superior detection accuracy. These tests provide a longer detection window and are challenging to deceive, offering a reliable method for identifying substance use over extended periods. Employers increasingly favor this method for its efficacy in policy compliance.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Brice, OH, offers an exceptional advantage with its ability to detect drug use across up to 90 days. This extensive window gives employers a thorough view of an individual’s substance history, proving especially useful for long-term insight into an applicant's or employee's behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Brice, OH, hair follicle tests are significantly less prone to tampering compared to other testing methods. This resistance to adulteration ensures that results remain trustworthy and authoritative, offering both organizations and individuals confidence in the test's integrity and outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing in Brice, OH, enhances convenience with nationwide centers, making quick and hassle-free access to services a reality. Local locations ensure streamlined testing, allowing residents easy access without leaving their community.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our process in Brice, OH, is straightforward and private, from ordering a test to receiving results. We prioritize confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring the procedure is easy to manage for all users, fostering trust and security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing in Brice, OH, coupled with fast result delivery, makes hair follicle testing cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. This affordability, alongside rapid turnaround, ensures value while providing reassurance with every test conducted.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Brice, Ohio, hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled accuracy and speed. This method precisely identifies substance use, ensuring high reliability. The efficiency of the testing process means that results are delivered promptly without sacrificing accuracy, keeping the community well-informed and safe.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Brice, OH, benefit from hair follicle testing for maintaining compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only safeguards against legal complications but also boosts workplace safety, providing peace of mind and a secure working environment.
