Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers in the hair fiber as it grows. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use history for up to 90 days. This method is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (similar to the circumference of a #2 pencil), equates to 100mg, the preferred sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding ten, the advised sample size is 150mg. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of entering a sample into the laboratory system. This step entails verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling in data entry gaps not addressed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use, a positive screen must be validated to meet legal standards. Any samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, extra hair is drawn from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug examinations.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required before confirmation. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed and complies with both the CAP Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Carrollton, OH, the former stands out for its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a comprehensive look into long-term substance use, unlike more conventional urine tests.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Carrollton, OH, captures drug usage up to 90 days prior. This extended timeframe aids employers in assessing the comprehensive substance usage history of candidates or employees.
Hair follicle testing in Carrollton, OH, offers a tamper-resistant method that significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration. The method provides reliable results that are difficult to dispute, ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
With testing centers nationwide, including Carrollton, OH, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to hair follicle tests. Whether locally or nationwide, our facilities ensure easy and hassle-free testing experiences.
Our process in Carrollton, OH, for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to results, we prioritize privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about data security and user-friendliness.
Accredited Drug Testing in Carrollton, OH, emphasizes affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. Our competitive rates provide excellent value, catering to the needs of companies of all sizes while delivering prompt results.
In Carrollton, OH, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision in yielding accurate results. The ability to reliably detect a wide range of substances makes them a preferred choice for numerous industries.
For employers in Carrollton, OH, hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and enhances safety in the workplace environment, offering peace of mind.
