Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has emerged as a crucial method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures long-term evidence of substance use by incorporating biomarkers in the strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide data for a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the area closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, the suggested specimen weight is 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Procedure Summary
The drug test evaluation in a laboratory is comprised of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary integration of a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This step ensures that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial quick assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to disregard drug usage in most cases, any positive findings must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive result from Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most intricate technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are pre-washed before confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the standards for ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Pros of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the strand of hair rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Greenhills, OH
In the context of modern diagnostics, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests thanks to its longer detection timeframe and unparalleled accuracy. This method detects various substances over an extended period, providing a superior testing alternative that highlights vivid substance use history, thus demonstrating unmatched reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Greenhills, OH
Hair follicle testing provides insight into a 90-day substance history with meticulous detail. Employers gain clarity on an individual’s past behaviors through this extended window, granting a broader perspective compared to shorter-term tests, fostering decisions based on a more comprehensive background check of substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Greenhills, OH
The integrity of hair follicle testing sets it apart due to its tamper-resistant nature, offering peace of mind with results that are difficult to manipulate. This provides trustworthy and definitive data, reducing the risks involved in alternative testing methods where samples might be altered.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Greenhills, OH
With Accredited Drug Testing centers nationwide, including local options in Greenhills, OH, accessing our services is straightforward. Our facilities' convenience means efficient service delivery close to home, supporting immediate testing requirements for ease and accessibility at your convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Greenhills, OH
The simplicity and discretion of our process ensure hassle-free involvement, from order placement to test result reception. Concern for privacy is paramount, ensuring complete confidentiality at every step, making hair follicle testing a user-friendly experience for everyone involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Greenhills, OH
Competitive pricing adds significant value to our hair follicle testing services, complimented by rapid result processing. Our affordable rates and swift turnaround times cater to businesses of various sizes, offering cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Why choose hair follicle drug tests for fast results in Greenhills, OH?
With remarkable quickness, test results reveal a reliable analysis helping stakeholders make informed decisions swiftly, thus maintaining a robust testing methodology over others.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Greenhills, OH
Employers who prioritize drug-free workplace policies benefit greatly from hair follicle testing, supporting compliance and improving safety while mitigating legal risks. The reassurance this reliable method offers helps maintain a secure and drug-free corporate environment.
