Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has evolved into an effective method for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage over time. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use across a span of up to 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it’s advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample's weight. If head hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, and others).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is logged into the laboratory system. This involves checking if the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While it's an economical method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires further confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that show a presumptive positive result during Screening need subsequent verification.
For samples that yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is notably challenging to perform.
Confirmatory testing of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a washing process as necessary before confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand and not the scalp-embedded follicle.
In Galena, OH, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages compared to urine tests. The hair method enhances detection accuracy, providing a comprehensive view of long-term substance use. While urine tests can track immediate use, hair analysis spans several months, ensuring comprehensive drug histories.
Superior reliability sets hair tests apart, reducing the chance of sample tampering that can occur with urine tests. This ensures dependable outcomes aligning with zero-tolerance and safety-centric policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests stands out for employers in Galena, OH. Capable of revealing substance use over a period extending up to 90 days, it provides an exhaustive view of an individual's drug history, compared to more limited methods.
This broad time frame supports employers in creating thorough screenings of current or potential employees, maintaining workplace safety and compliance with robust drug policies.
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in Galena, OH, is its tamper-resistant nature. Cutting-edge techniques reduce adulteration risks, providing clear and unquestionable results for each test conducted.
This builds confidence in the testing outcome, as the stringent collection and testing process ensures the integrity of each sample, safeguarding against fraudulent attempts.
Convenience is guaranteed with our nationwide testing centers, including locations in Galena, OH. We ensure swift and straightforward access to all individuals in need of reliable drug testing services, minimizing any disruptions or delays.
These local and accessible centers enable both individuals and businesses to smoothly engage in testing procedures without extensive travel or time investment.
The simple process for engaging in hair follicle testing in Galena, OH, prioritizes user convenience and privacy. The method for arrangement, execution, and result delivery maintains confidentiality standards, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants.
By promoting ease of use, the testing process helps reduce any participant stress or anxiety, reassuring individuals about their personal data handling.
Affordable solutions and rapid test outcomes define our hair follicle testing services in Galena, OH, catering to businesses of all sizes. Our pricing models offer competitive rates, ensuring excellent financial value alongside high-quality testing services.
The quick turnaround in results supports businesses in maintaining timely decision processes, ensuring no interruption in operations due to pending results.
Precision and Speed of hair follicle tests make them a popular choice in Galena, OH. These tests offer rapid results, providing high accuracy in identifying recent and past substance use. With scientifically backed methodologies, hair testing offers unparalleled reliability, ensuring accurate detection.
The swift nature of the hair testing process, combined with precise outcomes, allows employers and individuals to make informed decisions quickly, reinforcing the trust in substance testing in Ohio.
Workplace Compliance in Galena, OH is significantly supported by using hair follicle testing, striking a balance between zero-tolerance policies and the necessity for safety and assurance. This method assists in meeting legal obligations seamlessly and mitigating potential risks.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their employees meet the criteria for a safe, drug-free environment, avoiding possible legal or safety issues.