Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can provide an extensive record of substance use by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is effortless to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, produces 100mg—the optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG appendices and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Verification of the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If head hair is not available, a comparable volume of body hair may be acquired. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
Key procedures in laboratory drug test result processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary test for illicit substances. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, judicial acceptance demands confirmation of a positive screen. Any samples showing a positive indication in Screening necessitate further validation.
Should a sample show a positive indication during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a notably challenging practice.
Validation of positive screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleaning prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 requirements.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle Testing vs. Urine Testing in Chesterhill, OH
Hair follicle testing offers superior benefits compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair tests exhibit a longer detection period and higher reliability. This advantage not only provides precise drug use records but also increases an employer's confidence in the results, making it an effective tool for ensuring a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Chesterhill, OH
The hair follicle drug test stands out for its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This feature allows organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, offering a clear picture well beyond the timeframe for which urine tests are effective.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chesterhill, OH
Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of results. This tamper-resistant nature makes it one of the most reliable testing methods available, providing employers and testers confidence that results are legitimate and accurate, free from manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Chesterhill, OH
With widespread testing centers across the nation, accessing drug testing services in Chesterhill is both quick and convenient. Our locations ensure that individuals and employers can efficiently undergo testing with minimal hassle, enhancing the overall user experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chesterhill, OH
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step is streamlined to protect privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality or procedural complications.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chesterhill, OH
We provide competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, making it possible for companies of all sizes to access superior value and peace of mind. This cost-effectiveness ensures employers can efficiently manage personnel screening without financial strain.
The hair follicle drug test in Chesterhill, OH yields fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method is renowned for its ability to precisely detect a wide array of substances, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities seeking trustworthy results. Its ability to provide such dependable outcomes enhances compliance and safety across various sectors.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chesterhill, OH
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing benefit from enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, as it provides consistent, proven results that contribute to maintaining a professional environment.
