Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When taken close to the roots, hair can furnish a detection period of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, modification poses a challenge, and the sample is easy to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment with roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the roots yields 100mg—the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is preferable. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair only, whereas body hair pertains to other types like facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The sequence for laboratory drug test processing consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a specimen within a lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary drug of abuse assessment. While it’s a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening need to undergo a secondary verification.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which explains why hair drug testing is the most challenging technique.
Confirmation for any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair shaft rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Tests in Haydenville, OH
Hair tests deliver extended detection times, identifying drug use as far back as 90 days compared to the shorter window of urine tests. This makes hair testing ideal for comprehensive substance use analysis.
Superior Detection
Urine tests pale in comparison to the reliability of hair testing, which offers a far more robust picture of drug use history, bolstering confidence in the results.
Longer Detection Window in Haydenville, OH
Hair follicle tests have an extended detection window, capturing drug use over a period as long as 90 days. This allows employers to obtain a deeper understanding of substance use patterns among applicants or employees.
Comprehensive View
The long duration covered by hair testing offers a detailed view of an individual's substance use, contributing to better decision-making in hiring or maintaining workplace integrity.
Secure Testing in Haydenville, OH
Hair follicle testing significantly curtails the chance of sample tampering. The process of hair collection is straightforward and difficult to manipulate, ensuring reliable and valid results.
Reduced Adulteration Risks
Unlike other testing methods, hair tests offer a tamper-resistant approach, deeply reducing the risks of inaccurate outcomes due to sample interference.
Accessible Testing Centers in Haydenville, OH
With conveniently located centers nationwide, including Haydenville, testing is quick and hassle-free, ensuring broad accessibility to professional testing services.
Local and National Convenience
Our network of facilities allows for seamless test access, delivering a streamlined experience for all testing needs.
Simple and Confidential Testing in Haydenville, OH
Navigate the testing process with ease and discreteness—from ordering to results, every step is geared towards simplicity and maintaining confidentiality.
Privacy Assured
Our user-friendly approach prioritizes your privacy and convenience, making drug testing stress-free and unobtrusive.
Value-Priced Testing in Haydenville, OH
We provide competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, combining cost-effectiveness with prompt results to deliver significant value.
Quick Turnaround
Benefit from fast service without compromising accuracy, an ideal solution for companies needing reliable drug testing with efficient turnaround.
Fast, Accurate Results in Haydenville, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They provide swift and exact results that accurately detect substance use, offering a more reliable alternative to other testing methods.
Reliable Detection
With hair tests, there is an assurance of high accuracy in identifying drug use, making them an excellent choice for individuals and organizations seeking precise monitoring and control.
Compliance Assurance in Haydenville, OH
Embracing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies, boosting legal safety and fostering a secure work environment.
Employer Peace of Mind
Through reliable testing, companies can mitigate legal concerns and enhance workplace safety and harmony, providing comfort for both employers and employees.
