Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant resource for identifying substance use. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a 3-month history of alcohol and drug consumption. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to manipulation, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil’s diameter) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimum sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" references scalp hair exclusively, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main procedural stages of laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system, ensuring that it's properly sealed and dispatched, distributing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any required data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen necessitates validation for judicial acceptance. Any samples presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary validation.
If Screening presumptively identifies a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening’s complexity.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Four Bridges, OH, hair testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are less prone to manipulation and offer a broader view of substance use over time. While urine tests may be traditional, hair analysis offers a more comprehensive, cheat-resistant method for employers and courts.
Hair follicle tests provide an extensive detection period in Four Bridges, OH, spanning up to 90 days. This generous window offers employers a thorough perspective on an individual's substance use history, which is crucial for making informed decisions about hiring or monitoring current employees.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Four Bridges, OH, ensures more credible and reliable results compared to other methods. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample alteration or substitution, making hair testing a favored choice for settings that demand integrity and accuracy.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including local centers in Four Bridges, OH, accessing drug testing services is seamless. Our network ensures quick and effortless access to testing, offering hassle-free solutions that accommodate busy schedules and eliminate logistical challenges.
The hair follicle testing process in Four Bridges, OH is both simple and confidential, ensuring ease of use and privacy. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, the process is straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns with utmost care.
In Four Bridges, OH, our hair follicle drug testing services are competitively priced and offer fast turnaround times. This positions us as a cost-effective choice for businesses of any size, providing great value and reassurance with quick and dependable results.
In Four Bridges, OH, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their impressive speed and precision in substance detection. These tests are exemplary in delivering accurate results rapidly, providing dependable insights into substance use. With their high accuracy, businesses can trust in the results they receive, ensuring informed decision-making about substance use.
Employers in Four Bridges, OH can rely on hair follicle testing to adhere to drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal challenges. The use of hair testing aligns with maintaining a secure and compliant workplace, allowing employers peace of mind knowing their screening processes are robust and effective.
