Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a robust means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can chronicle a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a three-month timeframe of alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the prime sample for testing and validation. For EtG additions or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses confirming that the sample was securely sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any leftover data input absent from an electronic chain of custody method.
Screening includes a rapid initial evaluation for illicit substances. Despite Screening being a cost-efficient mode to negate drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to qualify in legal contexts. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are drawn out from hair at a markedly lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most complex methods to execute.
Any positive screening outcome is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and endorsed by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Carroll, OH, the benefits of hair follicle testing significantly surpass traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing substance use over a longer period. Unlike urine tests, which are limited by shorter detection windows, hair testing ensures more comprehensive and reliable substance history insights.
Extended Detection Window
In Carroll, OH, hair follicle testing excels due to its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This testing method offers employers a detailed view of an individual’s substance use history, enabling better decision-making through a broad detection window that urine tests cannot match.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Carroll, OH, hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Its robust nature ensures the integrity and trustworthiness of results. Utilizing this method guarantees that the results remain accurate and unquestionable, providing confidence in the testing process free from adulteration risks.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Offering extensive reach, our testing facilities across Carroll, OH, and nationwide provide seamless access to testing services. The convenience of multiple locations ensures that users benefit from quick and hassle-free testing access anywhere, promising ease and efficiency in utilization.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Carroll, OH, ordering and obtaining hair follicle test results is straightforward and private. This simplified and confidential process addresses privacy concerns, making it convenient for users to access testing services while ensuring their personal and result data remain secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Carroll, OH, benefits from competitive pricing structures and prompt results for hair follicle drug tests. Quick turnaround times coupled with economical pricing deliver exceptional value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Carroll, OH, hair follicle drug tests stand out by delivering rapid and dependable results. Their precision in identifying substance use is unmatched, offering a reliable method for those seeking quick yet thorough analytical outcomes. These tests ensure high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for those prioritizing certainty and efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Carroll, OH, gain reassurance through hair follicle testing, as it supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method enhances workplace safety and mitigates legal risks. Reliable compliance with industry standards fosters a secure and drug-free work environment.
