Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is now widely recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by seizing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair filament. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present up to about a 3-month detection duration for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional measures, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair signifies all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This includes affirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid review for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be permissible in court. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require an additional confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most intricate technique to execute.
Any presumptive positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair distinction and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Buchtel, OH, the advantages of hair testing over urine testing are evident. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy, with a longer detection window that covers up to 90 days. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of substance use patterns, while urine tests can often miss prolonged use that occurred prior to recent abstinence.
Many find hair testing to be highly reliable, significantly reducing false negatives compared to urine tests. The comprehensive insights hair tests provide into an individual's substance history make them a preferred choice in maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window
The hair follicle drug test offers a dramatically extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This makes it particularly useful for employers in Buchtel, OH, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of potential candidates or employees' past substance use, ensuring informed hiring or retention decisions.
By uncovering a longer drug use history, hair testing provides a clearer picture than traditional methods, like urine testing, which may only reflect recent consumption. Such long-term insights are invaluable in evaluating an individual's lifestyle and reliability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Buchtel, OH, offers a method that significantly reduces the risks of sample adulteration. Compared to other testing techniques, this advanced method ensures reliability and unquestionable results, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures.
The natural resilience of hair samples makes them difficult to tamper with or substitute, ensuring that the test results reflect true substance use. This integrity in testing minimizes challenges and disputes, providing peace of mind to organizations relying on authentic results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Buchtel, OH, accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and easy, thanks to our extensive network of testing centers across the nation. These facilities provide hassle-free and convenient services, ensuring everyone can efficiently meet their drug testing needs.
Local and Nationwide Access
Our significant presence nationwide ensures swift service delivery, thus eliminating delays. Whether in Buchtel or beyond, our accessible facilities guarantee prompt and stress-free testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our testing procedure in Buchtel, OH, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the entire experience respects privacy concerns and assures ease of use. Individuals can expect a seamless process that prioritizes discretion and user convenience.
Trust and privacy are critical elements of our service, ensuring that test results are handled confidentially. This clear and considerate process encourages user trust and satisfaction, encouraging widespread engagement with our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Buchtel, OH, our pricing structure and rapid turnaround times offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Affordable prices paired with swift result delivery ensure that companies receive reliable service without straining budgets.
Value for Investment
Our competitive pricing complements our efficient service, supporting businesses in maintaining peace of mind regarding their drug testing needs. The twin benefits of affordability and speed make our service an exceptional investment.
In Buchtel, OH, hair follicle drug testing sets a high standard for precision and swiftness. The method's unparalleled accuracy ensures reliable detection of substance use, providing valuable insights swiftly. Hair testing's capacity to quickly deliver exact results makes it a trusted choice for those looking to verify drug usage.
Fast and Accurate Results
The hair follicle method stands out for its rapid and accurate processing abilities, offering on-the-spot verification of drug use. The speed coupled with its high reliability makes it an invaluable tool for combating substance abuse efficiently in today's fast-paced world.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Buchtel, OH, benefit from hair follicle testing, which supports compliance with workplace drug policies. By adopting this method, legal risks are minimized, fostering a safe and drug-free working environment, crucial in adhering to company standards and regulations.
Hair testing assures employers of a rigorous verification process, offering peace of mind by mitigating potential policy breaches. The comprehensive results ensure informed management decisions, enhancing overall workplace safety, and reducing legal liabilities.
