Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken closely from the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This task entails confirming that the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick check for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be acceptable in court. All samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most demanding methodology to carry out.
Validation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in East Springfield, OH, it's evident that hair testing offers enhanced detection accuracy. With its ability to identify substances over extended periods, hair testing is not only more comprehensive but also more reliable than urine testing, which serves as a significant advantage.
Superior to urine analyses in many aspects, hair tests in East Springfield ensure better detection rates, instilling confidence among employers and institutions that rely on stringent testing methods for maintaining a drug-free environment.
In East Springfield, OH, the lengthy detection window of hair follicle testing is particularly beneficial. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, it offers employers a more complete understanding of an individual’s recent substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making.
This extensive detection period gives employers a broader perspective on potential candidates or current employees, allowing for a more informed assessment of their workplace suitability and responsibility regarding workplace policies.
Hair follicle testing in East Springfield, OH, proves highly tamper-resistant. Unlike other methods, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, providing results that are dependable and closely monitored.
The integrity of hair follicle testing contributes to its standing as a trustworthy method, as results are virtually immune to falsification. Employers can confidently base their decisions on these secure testing outcomes.
For those in East Springfield, OH, the accessibility of testing locations across the country makes Accredited Drug Testing convenient. With nationwide centers available, scheduling and attending a hair follicle test becomes streamlined and hassle-free, ensuring that testing services are always within reach.
Local availability in East Springfield reduces the burden of travel and time, facilitating a smoother experience for all participants engaged in the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing in East Springfield, OH, prides itself on offering a straightforward and confidential testing process. From ordering to obtaining results, the procedure is designed to ensure privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns individuals might have regarding the protection of their personal information.
By maintaining confidentiality and ease of access, the streamlined testing process is tailored to client needs, eliminating complexities while safeguarding sensitive data throughout.
In East Springfield, OH, Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and expedited result delivery. Businesses of all sizes benefit from cost-effective options that don't compromise on quality or speed.
The affordability and quick response times elevate the value offered, permitting companies to implement efficient testing protocols without incurring excessive costs, thus enhancing budgeting strategy and operational proficiency.
Hair follicle testing in East Springfield, OH, is renowned for its rapid and accurate results. The method's precision ensures the accurate detection of substance use, offering peace of mind for both employers and individuals seeking reliable data.
The speed with which hair tests produce results is unmatched, allowing for quick decision-making and efficient interventions. This method not only excels in accuracy but also in delivering timely answers essential for various needs.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in East Springfield, OH, guarantees compliance with drug-free workplaces, alleviating legal concerns for employers. This testing method reinforces safety standards and minimizes liabilities by effectively monitoring employee compliance with workplace policies.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing their strategies align with legal requirements, minimizing risks and promoting an environment conducive to safety and productivity through reliable testing techniques.
