Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now acknowledged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair can encapsulate a long-term history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand. When trimmed near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month detection window for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, it is relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a basic preliminary analysis for drug substances. While Screening is a cost-effective measure to discount substance use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require secondary verification.
With presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at concentrations lower compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing particularly intricate to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation when needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although generally referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand and does not involve the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fort Seneca, OH
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests with its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair samples provide an extended detection window, offering a reliable and comprehensive analysis of drug use history. This method enhances accuracy and reliability, reducing the chances of false negatives and providing employers with valuable insights.
Extended Detection Window in Fort Seneca, OH
Hair follicle testing offers a far-reaching detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers in Fort Seneca to assess the true substance habits of applicants and employees, providing a comprehensive view of their drug use over time and supporting informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fort Seneca, OH
Hair follicle testing's design significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This method provides a reliable and indisputable result through its inherent resistance to adulteration. Employers and legal professionals can rely on the security of hair tests to deliver trustworthy and unchallengeable outcomes, enhancing confidence in the process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fort Seneca, OH
Our widespread network of testing centers provides ease and accessibility. With local and nationwide centers, getting drug testing done in Fort Seneca is quick and hassle-free. This convenience ensures all clients have efficient access to services without compromising on quality or reliability.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fort Seneca, OH
The hair drug test process is simple and discreet, ensuring privacy and ease from start to finish. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is straightforward, catering to privacy concerns and enhancing user experience. Fort Seneca's residents can feel secure knowing their information and results remain confidential throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fort Seneca, OH
Competitive pricing and swift result delivery underscore the value of our hair testing services. In Fort Seneca, businesses can benefit from affordable costs and quick turnaround times, supporting financial efficiency while ensuring timely decision-making, making this a cost-effective solution for companies of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fort Seneca, OH
Hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision in drug detection, ensuring quick and dependable results. This method excels in accuracy and speed by revealing substance use with exceptional clarity. Hair tests in Fort Seneca deliver insights that employers can trust, promoting workplace integrity and safety through their highly accurate and expedited analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fort Seneca, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. This method enhances safety and provides peace of mind. Employers in Fort Seneca can enjoy a secure and compliant work environment by integrating hair testing into their safety protocols.