Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair traps biomarkers in its fibers, providing a prolonged history of substance intake. When gathered close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage up to around 90 days backwards. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hairs (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the recommended sample amount for analysis. In cases involving EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for precision. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Note that when we discuss head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial procedure of inputting a sample into a laboratory's database. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any outstanding data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody format.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid inspection for drug traces. While efficient for dismissing drug use in most samples, any positive outcome requires further confirmation before it is acceptable legally. Samples that test positive initially must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a sample returns a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is selected from the original sample for Extraction. At this step, drugs are retrieved from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, explaining why hair drug analysis is one of the most intricate methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive specimen undergoes a wash before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole laboratory process is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and also meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cedarville, OH
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and reliability. Hair samples can trace substance use over longer periods, providing a more comprehensive substance use history. Employers, therefore, benefit from a deeper insight into prospective or current employees' drug use histories which urine tests often miss.
Extended Detection Window in Cedarville, OH
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle drug testing is its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, beyond the capabilities of traditional testing methods. This insight can help make informed decisions regarding hiring or maintaining staff.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cedarville, OH
Hair follicle tests offer a reliable solution to the common problem of sample tampering found in other drug testing methods. Due to the nature of hair samples and the stringent collection processes, the chances of adulteration are significantly minimized, ensuring the results remain trustworthy and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Cedarville, OH
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations across the nation, including Cedarville, OH. Our centers are designed to provide quick and hassle-free testing experiences. With a wide network, you are assured easy access to top-quality testing services no matter where you are located.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cedarville, OH
The process of getting tested through hair follicle testing is straightforward and ensures confidentiality at all stages. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, we prioritize your privacy and make sure the process feels seamless and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cedarville, OH
We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, cementing our value proposition for companies of any size. Our cost-effective services ensure that quality testing doesn't come at a premium cost, and results are delivered promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cedarville, OH
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its unmatched precision and speed. The advanced technology used ensures high accuracy in detecting substances, making it a preferred choice for many institutions. Compared to other methodologies, hair testing offers results you can rely on with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cedarville, OH
Implementing hair follicle testing can provide businesses with peace of mind by enforcing drug-free workplace policies. It not only lessens legal risks but also enhances safety and productivity. By aligning with compliance standards, companies ensure a safer, more secure environment for all employees.
