Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures biomarkers within its growing strands, offering a long-term history of alcohol and drug intake. When taken close to the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use up to around three months prior. The collection process is straightforward, it is quite challenging to tamper with, and shipping is uncomplicated.
An ideal sample for screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil), providing 100mg of hair. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and tests over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Use a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing in a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While economically efficient in ruling out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples suspected as positive during Screening call for further validation.
For samples suspected to be positive in the Screening step, more hair is processed from the primary specimen during Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids). This complexity makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine testing in East Liberty, OH? Hair testing offers a longer detection window and is more difficult to manipulate. While urine tests can reveal recent drug use, hair tests capture a broader picture, identifying substances used over several months and providing a more reliable detection rate.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage in East Liberty, OH. These tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance history, beyond what traditional methods reveal.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests prevents sample alteration, ensuring credibility and trust. In East Liberty, OH, this method significantly reduces the risk of adulteration compared to urine tests, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable.
With numerous convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in East Liberty, OH, accessing hair testing services is seamless. Our local centers ensure a hassle-free experience, facilitating quick and efficient testing whenever needed.
The process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential in East Liberty, OH. Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results are straightforward and designed to maintain privacy, addressing user concerns about ease and security throughout the testing procedure.
Enjoy affordable pricing and a fast turnaround on hair follicle tests in East Liberty, OH. Our competitive pricing structure and quick results delivery ensure excellent value, providing companies with both efficiency and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results in East Liberty, OH. These tests offer superior precision in detecting substance use, capturing a comprehensive history even when other methods fall short. The speed of processing and high accuracy make hair follicle testing an essential tool for ensuring safety and compliance.
Using hair follicle testing in East Liberty, OH, enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing peace of mind and minimizing legal risks. Employers benefit from the assurance these tests offer, reinforcing a safe and secure work environment.
