Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Harrison, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair holds a substantive historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers insights into alcohol and drug consumption over an approximate period of three months. This collection process is straightforward, tamper-resistant, and conducive to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, considered the optimal sample for both screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analysis exceeding 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler's scale for weighing. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. By head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The drug testing laboratory process is composed of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's workflow. This step involves confirming correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry beyond what is provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial, rapid evaluation for substance abuse. While this method is economically efficient for excluding substance consumption in most samples, legal admissibility requires confirming any positive findings. Samples showing presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

In the case of a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the existing sample for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use over approximately 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Diminished likelihood of tampering: Cheating a hair drug test poses significant difficulty, ensuring more reliable results.
• Historical usage insights: Offers a timeline of substance use over an extended period, beyond immediate past use.

Challenges:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier compared to alternative methods.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentration in hair may fluctuate due to factors like hair color and individual hair growth variations.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harrison, OH revolves around the superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests compared to traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers a broader detection window, ensuring comprehensive substance use analysis.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Harrison, OH is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing. It allows employers to gain insights into an individual's substance use history over a period of up to 90 days, fostering informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harrison, OH underscores the reliability of hair follicle tests in reducing sample adulteration risks. These tests deliver unquestionable and dependable results, safeguarding against tampering.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Harrison, OH emphasize our extensive network of testing sites. This accessibility offers swift, seamless testing services, enhancing user convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Harrison, OH highlights the ease and privacy of ordering, undergoing, and receiving test results. The process is straightforward, safeguarding user confidentiality and offering simplicity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harrison, OH underscores our competitive pricing and quick result delivery. These factors provide great value, ensuring timely information for businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harrison, OH are key features of hair follicle drug tests. Their precision in detecting substance use ensures high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for quick and reliable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harrison, OH is attainable through hair follicle testing. This method supports workplace drug-free policies, minimizes legal issues, and promotes safety.

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