Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can offer nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair sample collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing about 200 strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a lab drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory stage where a sample enters a lab’s system, involving verification of proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial assessment to detect drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive screen needs verification to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples showing positive indicators in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration in comparison to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle located under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Haviland, OH, surpasses urine testing in many aspects. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Considered more effective than urine testing, hair follicle tests provide heightened detection accuracy.
Extending up to 90 days, the detection window of hair follicle tests in Haviland, OH, offers a comprehensive view of substance history.
This prolonged detection period allows for an in-depth understanding of an individual’s drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Haviland, OH, is a tamper-resistant method providing reliable results.
This testing method reduces manipulation risks, offering incontestable results.
Haviland, OH, offers a convenient array of testing centers Nationwide, facilitating easy access.
Our widespread locations allow for swift and accessible testing solutions across the nation.
In Haviland, OH, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential.
Efficient and discreet, the hair testing procedure fosters trust with participants.
In Haviland, OH, affordable pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable option.
Our economical pricing structure supports businesses in accessing reliable testing quickly.
In Haviland, OH, hair follicle tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, making them an ideal choice for those seeking precision in detecting substance use.
The precision of hair follicle testing in detecting past drug use sets it apart from traditional methods.
With hair follicle testing, employers in Haviland, OH, ensure compliance with workplace regulations.
By using hair testing, companies maintain peace of mind, knowing they adhere to drug-free policies.