Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers within the fibers of its strand as it grows, providing a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use. A sample taken near the scalp offers a detection period for alcohol and other drugs of up to about three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. With head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The key stages in the laboratory procedure of processing a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a more economical method for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to hold legal weight. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
When a sample exhibits a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, substances are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), rendering hair drug screening the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive findings in the screening phase occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: Even though these are frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Is Superior in East Danville, OH
Compared to traditional urine analyses, hair testing offers enhanced accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent substance use, hair follicle testing provides a broader window of detection, making it less vulnerable to manipulation and ensuring a more accurate portrayal of an individual's drug consumption history.
Extended Detection Windows in East Danville, OH
Hair follicle testing grants a much lengthier detection period, identifying drug use up to 90 days back. This offers employers insight into long-term substance use trends, differing significantly from the shorter windows provided by alternative testing methods and providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's history.
Reduce Risk with Tamper-Resistant Tests in East Danville, OH
Hair follicle tests offer robust defenses against sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples strongly resist adulteration due to the nature of collection and processing. This reliability results in unquestionable results, helping employers maintain a trustworthy workforce assessment mechanism.
Broad and Convenient Testing in East Danville, OH
The presence of nationwide testing facilities ensures quick access to necessary tests, offering extensive convenience. In East Danville, this accessibility means that businesses and individuals can easily procure testing services without the hassle typically associated with long-distance arrangements.
Simplicity and Confidentiality in East Danville, OH
Our testing process is straightforward and respects privacy, from the initial ordering to receiving results. This ease of use alleviates the concerns of those undergoing testing, assuring them that their privacy is preserved throughout the efficient and discreet process.
Cost-Effective and Prompt Service in East Danville, OH
Our competitively priced hair follicle tests offer fast results, accommodating businesses of all sizes. The affordability and quick turnaround times ensure that enterprises receive excellent value, aiding in maintaining their commitment to drug-free policies efficiently.
Speedy and Accurate Results in East Danville, OH
Hair follicle drug testing in East Danville ensures rapid and precise outcomes. The accuracy of hair tests in detecting substances makes them a valuable tool for employers seeking reliable results. This method's high precision guarantees that both recent and older drug use is detected efficiently, providing necessary insights for informed decision-making.
Employer Compliance and Assurance in East Danville, OH
Opting for hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to strict drug-free policies and mitigates legal risks associated with substance use in the workplace. Implementing this testing method also contributes to a safer working environment, reassuring both employers and employees about a commitment to safety.
