Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding markers in the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers about a 3-month detection period for substances and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, less likely to be tampered with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary procedures in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any supplementary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening executes an initial rapid evaluation for substances of misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates validation to be valid in court. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample be preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, substances are extracted from hair at a substantially reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug screening is a challenging methodology to execute.
Validation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criterion and certified as per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle to urine testing in Bryan, OH, the hair test stands out. Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy, ensuring results are credible. They provide a broader detection window and are resilient against attempts to tamper, making them a preferred choice for strict policies or critical evaluations.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Bryan, OH is unmatched, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This gives employers a detailed look at an individual's substance habits, providing more comprehensive insights compared to traditional methods, and aiding in informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle testing in Bryan, OH offers a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening. Unlike other methods, the integrity of the sample is maintained, minimizing risks of adulteration. This ensures highly reliable and authentic results, making it a trustworthy approach for both employers and individuals alike.
With numerous testing locations nationwide and in Bryan, OH, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to vital services. Our centers ensure that testing is straightforward and readily available, simplifying the logistics of drug testing for both individuals and organizations across the country.
In Bryan, OH, the process of hair follicle testing is not only simple but also confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, privacy is respected. Clients can easily navigate this hassle-free process, assuring them of a seamless experience from beginning to end without compromising confidentiality.
With affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Bryan, OH offers exceptional value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from competitively priced solutions that guarantee fast, accurate results, thereby ensuring strategic decisions without a strain on budgets.
In Bryan, OH, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring you're well-informed about substance use. These tests pinpoint drug use with meticulous precision, so there's no second-guessing. The entire process from collection to results is streamlined, providing high accuracy and trustworthy data for any substance evaluation.
Using hair follicle tests for compliance in Bryan, OH provides peace of mind for employers. By adhering to drug-free policies with reliable testing, legal risks are minimized, and workplace safety is enhanced. Compliance through trustworthy testing strengthens organizational reputation and employee trust.
