Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can indicate substance presence for nearly a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal phases in processing a drug test in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary procedure to check for substances of abuse. Though it is a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in most cases, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening demand further verification.
In instances of presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs at a much reduced concentration are extracted from hair, making hair drug screening more challenging than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid testing).
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used for the Confirmation of any positive screening results. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dallasburg, OH: Hair testing provides a superior alternative to urine tests, offering enhanced detection reliability. This method extends the detection window significantly, capturing a broader historical view of substance use patterns, making it the preferred choice for precision and dependability.
Extended Detection Window in Dallasburg, OH: Hair follicle tests excel by covering a detection window of up to 90 days, providing a thorough look at an individual's drug history. This extensive period offers employers a detailed understanding of a candidate's or employee's habits beyond recent activity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dallasburg, OH: Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample tampering. Its inherent design makes it a trustworthy method for obtaining unaltered results, instilling confidence in the data collected.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dallasburg, OH: Our widespread network of testing centers simplifies the testing process, ensuring easy access without significant hassle for both local and nationwide clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dallasburg, OH: The process for ordering and receiving a hair follicle test is straightforward and maintains confidentiality, addressing potential privacy concerns and ensuring ease throughout each step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dallasburg, OH: Our competitive pricing and quick result turnaround provide exceptional value, catering to companies irrespective of size, enhancing affordability alongside efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dallasburg, OH: Hair follicle testing boasts swift and precise results, offering an unmatched level of accuracy in substance detection. This method is lauded for its ability to deliver fast outcomes, ensuring that employers make informed decisions quickly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dallasburg, OH: Utilizing hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug policies, lowering the chances of legal issues and enhancing workplace security and safety. It offers peace of mind knowing policies are upheld with precision.
