Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged archive of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. Collecting hair near the scalp can unveil a detection period for alcohol and drugs that spans up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It’s advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, only scalp hair is meant. Body hair comprises all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a specimen into a laboratory's system. This process includes confirming the specimen was adequately sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial, swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a more affordable method to exclude drug usage for most samples, positive results from screening warrant confirmation for legal acceptance. All samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure.
Positive results from a screening test are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While the term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, the actual test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Campbell, OH
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. Their increased accuracy makes them a reliable choice, providing comprehensive insights into an individual's substance usage history over a significant period.
Comparison of Benefits
Extended Detection Window in Campbell, OH
Hair follicle testing is advantageous due to its ability to detect drug use over an extended timeframe. Employers benefit from a thorough understanding of substance history, with detection periods reaching up to 90 days. This longevity offers a more comprehensive look at an individual’s behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Campbell, OH
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of sample adulteration. By providing a more secure testing method, these tests ensure the integrity and reliability of the results, which are harder to manipulate compared to urine samples.
Employers in Campbell, OH, value the reassurance that comes with the tamper-resistant nature of hair testing, ensuring valid findings every time.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Campbell, OH
With testing centers across the nation, including local sites in Campbell, OH, we offer convenience and accessibility. Our network ensures that your testing needs are met quickly and efficiently, minimizing hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Campbell, OH
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease at every step. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is designed to be simple yet secure, addressing any privacy concerns comprehensively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Campbell, OH
Our pricing structures are competitive, offering excellent value for businesses of varying sizes. Combined with quick turnaround times, we ensure cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality, giving employers peace of mind alongside economic benefits.
In Campbell, OH, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness. These tests are fast and accurate, providing reliable results that detect substance use effectively. Their ability to offer rapid insights is what makes them a preferred choice for many organizations seeking comprehensive screening tools.
Precision in substance detection is key in Campbell. Hair follicle testing delivers unmatched accuracy, ensuring reliable results that employers can trust. This speed and accuracy are essential in making informed decisions swiftly, thus enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Campbell, OH
Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, fostering a secure work environment. Such testing reduces legal liabilities and underscores the organization's commitment to safety and compliance.
For employers, this means peace of mind, knowing they are actively reducing risks and promoting health and safety in the workplace.
