Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift check for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is increasingly favored over urine tests in Jacobsburg, OH. This method offers a larger detection window, often revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. In contrast, urine tests are limited to a shorter detection period, making them less reliable for ongoing substance use patterns.
When compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing stands out for its accuracy and reliability. The observed collection and tamper-resistant nature of hair samples ensure a superior detection accuracy, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
In Jacobsburg, OH, hair follicle testing excels with its ability to reveal substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This allows employers to access a thorough examination of an individual’s drug use history, offering more comprehensive insights compared to other testing methods.
Such a prolonged detection window is vital, especially for employers seeking to assess a potential or current employee’s long-term commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. The extended window provides a clear picture of substance use patterns over time.
The reduction of sample tampering is a crucial benefit of hair follicle tests in Jacobsburg, OH. Unlike some methods that might be manipulated, hair testing significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring reliable outcomes that are beyond doubt.
Given the closely monitored collection process, hair tests provide unquestionable results. This integrity makes them an essential choice for organizations requiring foolproof drug testing procedures, ensuring that manipulation is virtually impossible.
The convenience of having nationwide testing centers, including those in Jacobsburg, OH, makes accessing hair follicle drug tests straightforward. Individuals can easily find a local testing location for quick and hassle-free service.
Local availability ensures that whether one is in a metropolitan area or a smaller town, testing services are never far away. This makes it simple for individuals and companies to meet their testing needs efficiently.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Jacobsburg, OH, is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to be user-friendly, alleviating any privacy concerns that individuals might have.
By prioritizing confidentiality and ease of use, those undergoing testing can be assured of a discreet process. The straightforward steps involved ensure that individuals feel comfortable and secure throughout their testing journey.
The competitive pricing and fast turnaround times of hair follicle tests in Jacobsburg, OH, make them an attractive option for companies of all sizes. This combination ensures excellent value without compromising quality or speed of results.
Affordable testing options mean that organizations can maintain their drug testing policies effectively without financial strain. The quick processing times help minimize disruptions, allowing businesses to continue their operations smoothly.
In Jacobsburg, OH, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their precision and speed. These tests provide highly accurate detection of substance use, making them a preferred option for precise results. The swift processing ensures that results are available quickly, allowing individuals and organizations to act promptly on the findings.
Hair follicle testing not only guarantees accuracy but also promptly delivers results, making these tests highly efficient for those requiring quick answers. The streamlined process ensures that efficiency is maintained throughout the testing and result delivery stages.
For employers in Jacobsburg, OH, implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind with workplace drug policies. By adhering to strict detection standards, these tests help mitigate legal risks and promote a safer work environment.
The assurance provided by hair testing means that organizations can confidently uphold their drug-free policies. This not only minimizes the chances of drug-related incidents but also fosters a culture of safety and responsibility among employees.
