Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a significant method for detecting substance use. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair strands. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month period for alcohol and drug detection. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Providing a 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically indicates scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
Four pivotal steps in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample enters a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift evaluation for drugs of concern. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, positive results must be confirmed for court validity. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
With a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. In Extraction, substances are pulled from hair in notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the toughest methodology.
Confirmation of any presumptive positives in Screening is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as presumptively positive are cleaned as needed before confirmation. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Clifton, OH
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. It provides a more comprehensive assessment of drug use, making it an essential tool for employers and legal professionals in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Period in Clifton, OH
Hair follicle tests offer a much lengthier detection window, up to 90 days. This is invaluable for employers seeking to understand the full scope of an applicant's or employee's substance usage, ensuring informed hiring and retention decisions.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing
Hair follicle drug tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, guaranteeing reliable outcomes. This robust testing method makes it an excellent choice for achieving accurate, unquestionable results in Clifton, OH.
Testing Convenience Across Clifton, OH and Nationwide
With a network of testing centers nationwide, we offer convenient access to testing services. In Clifton, OH, and beyond, benefit from quick and hassle-free testing solutions that meet your needs efficiently.
Easy and Confidential Process
Our process for ordering, testing, and receiving results is straightforward and confidential. In Clifton, OH, we emphasize simplicity and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience for all clients concerned about their privacy.
Affordable Pricing with Swift Turnaround
Our competitively priced services in Clifton, OH ensure quick turnaround times. Providing excellent value, we cater to businesses of all sizes, offering peace of mind without compromising budget constraints.
Fast and Accurate Testing in Clifton, OH
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unrivaled. These tests deliver swift results, offering high accuracy in identifying any presence of substances. In Clifton, OH, trust the speed and reliability that hair testing provides in detecting drug use accurately.
Ensuring Compliance with Peace of Mind
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies in the workplace, curtailing legal liabilities. This method bolsters workplace safety, providing employers a sense of assurance and compliance with regulations in Clifton, OH.
