Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or instances where more than 10 panels are needed, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core steps involved in processing a drug test result at the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of processing a sample into a laboratory’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to screen out drug use in most samples, a positive screen result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing over Urine Testing: Hair testing offers superior detection for past substance use, proving especially effective in environments with strict policies.
With a focus on thoroughness, hair testing beats out urine samples by revealing a user’s history with drugs, even if consumption occurred up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive insight aids employers in making informed decisions in their recruitment processes.
Long Detection Carpabiltiy in Jacksonville, OH: Hair follicle testing reveals drug usage over extended periods, usually detecting substances from up to 90 prior days.
This extended window of detection offers employers a broader view, ensuring they gather meaningful and historic data on potential and current employees’ substance involvement, supporting informed decision-making.
Secure Testing Method in Jacksonville, OH: For a reliable drug testing approach, hair follicle testing offers tamper-resistant advantages.
Its natural defense against adulteration means samples remain unaltered throughout the analysis. As a result, these tests provide employers peace of mind, knowing results they receive are genuine and dependable.
Convenient Testing Access in Jacksonville, OH: Ensuring immediate access to hair follicle testing is simplified by our strategically positioned testing centers nationwide.
Those in Jacksonville benefit from streamlined, hassle-free testing services, supported by our local and national network of facilities, making compliance and testing needs easy to manage.
An Effortless, Private Process in Jacksonville, OH: Embark on an easy and discreet journey through the entire testing process.
Our approach guarantees confidentiality and simplicity from test order to results delivery. The streamlined process design prioritizes user privacy every step of the way, addressing any user concerns for comfort and ease.
Affordable, Quick Testing in Jacksonville, OH: Enjoy superior hair follicle testing without straining budgets, thanks to our competitive price point.
Supporting businesses with varying sizes and needs, our pricing is structured to ensure value and peace of mind, coupled with swift turnaround times that keep operations moving efficiently.
Fast and Accurate Testing in Jacksonville, OH: Hair follicle tests ensure prompt and precise results, crucial for timely substance use detection.
Renowned for their high accuracy levels, hair tests eliminate doubts about substance use, thanks to their meticulous analysis processes. In Jacksonville, these time-efficient tests provide reliable insights into an individual’s recent drug use.
Ensuring Employer Compliance in Jacksonville, OH: By integrating hair follicle testing, employers can bolster their drug-free policies significantly.
Such testing minimizes legal exposure and contributes toward cultivating a safe work environment. Employers are assured compliance, safety, and operational integrity by adopting this approach.
