Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Employing hair tests has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage detectable up to approximately 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section, consisting of around 200 strands of hair (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or when testing exceeds 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to measure the hair specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. "Body hair" denotes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a laboratory’s system. This incorporates confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an introductory rapid inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy for excluding drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive during the Screening step, additional hair is derived from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Chickasaw, OH, the former is superior in many ways. Hair testing offers greater detection accuracy over a longer period. This method proves more reliable, as it identifies substances used months prior, unlike urine tests which are limited to recent detection.
Hair follicle testing in Chickasaw, OH provides an extensive detection window, capturing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. For employers, this means a broader understanding of an individual's substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making regarding employment and safety.
In Chickasaw, OH, hair follicle drug testing serves as a tamper-resistant option. Compared to other methods, it significantly curtails the risk of sample alteration. As a result, it delivers trustworthy and indisputable outcomes when assessing substance use.
With numerous testing locations throughout Chickasaw, OH, and nationwide, obtaining a hair follicle test is convenient and straightforward. This expansive network ensures that our services are readily accessible, facilitating a quick and stress-free testing experience.
The process of hair follice testing in Chickasaw, OH is simple and confidential. Ordering, performing, and receiving results are designed to prioritize privacy and user comfort, ensuring an easily navigable and discreet experience.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times are hallmarks of our services in Chickasaw, OH. Companies of all sizes can benefit from the excellent value we provide, secure in the knowledge that results are delivered quickly and affordably.
When it comes to drug testing in Chickasaw, OH, hair follicle tests deliver rapid and precise outcomes. These tests stand out due to their high accuracy, effectively identifying substance use. Employers and individuals can trust the results, and the speed ensures timely decision-making.
Employers in Chickasaw, OH can enjoy compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, aiding in legal compliance and contributing to a safer working environment for all involved.
