Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage within an approximately 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective solution for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for court acceptability. Samples with positive results in Screening mandate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drug substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with positive Screening outcomes are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and recognition under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Decatur, OH
In Decatur, OH, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests in many respects. With a detection window stretching up to 90 days, hair tests provide greater insight into historical substance use. Their accuracy and reliability surpass those of urine tests, capturing information that might be missed otherwise, thus setting a new standard in comprehensive drug testing procedures.
Extended Detection Window in Decatur, OH
Hair follicle testing in Decatur, OH, offers the advantage of a prolonged detection period, stretching up to 90 days. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking a thorough understanding of a potential hire's or current employee's drug history. With the ability to see up to three months back, this test provides a comprehensive snapshot of past substance use, helping in making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Decatur, OH
The integrity of testing methods used in Decatur, OH, is crucial, and hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant option. It significantly minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, offering results that are both reliable and beyond question. This is crucial for maintaining the robustness and dependability of drug testing protocols utilized in workplaces and judicial contexts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Decatur, OH
With Accredited Drug Testing's vast network of testing centers, including those in Decatur, OH, accessing services is both quick and convenient. Our nationwide centers cater to all testing needs, ensuring accessibility and eliminating the hassles associated with drug testing logistics. Wherever you are, reliable testing is just around the corner, offering seamless service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Decatur, OH
The hair follicle testing process in Decatur, OH, is both straightforward and confidential, from ordering to result delivery. Our streamlined approach ensures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about the accessibility and security of personal information. This simplicity and discretion ensure that users receive their testing outcomes with confidence and peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Decatur, OH
Accredited Drug Testing, based in Decatur, OH, prides itself on affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value, meeting the needs of companies of all sizes. Clients benefit not only from cost-effective solutions but also from the timely delivery of results, providing peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Decatur, OH
Hair follicle drug testing in Decatur, OH offers unmatched precision and speed in substance detection. With top-tier accuracy, this method ensures a high level of confidence when verifying past substance use. The scientific approach employed makes the process not only effective but also swift, translating into prompt outcomes for those relying on such evaluations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Decatur, OH
In Decatur, OH, utilizing hair follicle testing for ensuring workplace compliance with drug-free policies brings unparalleled peace of mind to employers. This method supports adherence to legal requirements, aiding in risk reduction and enhancing workplace safety. With accurate indicators of an employee's substance history, it strengthens the enforcement of zero-tolerance policies.
