Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand fibers as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, they may offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs of up to roughly 3 months. Hair is easy to gather, quite hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal sample amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it's advisable to have 150mg of hair. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. In contrast, body hair refers to all other types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab's system. This process checks that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a swift initial test for drugs. While Screening economically helps eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be legally valid. All samples indicating a potential positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate potential positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples predicted as positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory method from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often labeled "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fort Recovery, OH
In contrast to conventional urine tests, hair follicle drug testing demonstrates superior accuracy in detecting substance use. The enhanced reliability of hair tests makes them an optimal choice for ensuring comprehensive detection.
Extended Detection Window in Fort Recovery, OH
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window, tracing drug use up to 90 days back. This extended period provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, ensuring a reliable assessment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fort Recovery, OH
The hair follicle testing method notably reduces the chances of tampering. Its robust design ensures the integrity of the sample, delivering trustworthy and incontrovertible results that stakeholders can rely on with confidence.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fort Recovery, OH
Our expansive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to testing services, whether locally in Fort Recovery or nationwide, facilitating a smooth and stress-free testing experience for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fort Recovery, OH
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and secure, maintaining privacy and simplicity, and truly addressing any concerns about confidentiality and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fort Recovery, OH
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround ensure excellent value for companies, regardless of size. Peace of mind comes with knowing the costs are manageable, and results are quickly back in your hands.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fort Recovery, OH
The precision and swiftness associated with hair follicle drug tests stand unrivaled. These tests exhibit an impressive accuracy, reliably detecting substance use and thereby providing trusted results for employers and other stakeholders.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fort Recovery, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall safety. It provides peace of mind knowing that compliance and safety are prioritized.
