Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair provides a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to nearly a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG additional testing and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. When indicating head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory database. This incorporates verifying the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be accepted in legal settings. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample preliminarily display positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All preliminarily positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Churchill, OH
Comparing the benefits of hair testing over traditional urine methods highlights its superior detection accuracy. Hair follicle tests offer a broader detection window and are less susceptible to adulteration, making them a more reliable choice for employers and legal entities enforcing drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Churchill, OH
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, detecting drugs up to 90 days prior. This extended detection period offers employers insightful data regarding an employee's or applicant's past behavior, enhancing decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Churchill, OH
The hair follicle test significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Its observed collection process assures authenticity and validity of results, making it a trusted method for obtaining reliable and incontestable data regarding drug use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Churchill, OH
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Churchill, OH, obtaining a hair follicle drug test is quick and straightforward. This widespread availability ensures easy access and a seamless testing experience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Churchill, OH
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be easy and confidential. Ordering, participating in, and receiving results happen discreetly, addressing any privacy concerns while ensuring a user-friendly experience for individuals seeking drug testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Churchill, OH
Our pricing structure is competitively designed to offer excellent value, accompanied by a fast turnaround time. This ensures businesses of all sizes can benefit from cost-effective and reliable hair follicle testing without delays in obtaining results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Churchill, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering precise and rapid results. The testing process not only excels in detecting substance use accurately but also ensures that results are generated swiftly. This makes hair testing a superior option for those seeking reliability and speed in drug detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Churchill, OH
Employers can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks while ensuring safety, providing executives with peace of mind through its reliable and thorough screening capabilities.
