Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. As hair grows, it captures biomarkers within its strands, providing a retrospective record of drug and alcohol exposure. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an estimated detection period of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, the possibilities for tampering are relatively low, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is considered optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, complex tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advisable. It is beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the event that scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result processing encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a specimen within a lab’s database. This procedure involves confirming the proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and conducting any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage in most specimens, any positive findings must undergo confirmation to be legally acceptable in judicial scenarios. All samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening mandate subsequent confirmation testing.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction preparation. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at comparatively lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.
Confirmation for any positive Screening results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before undergoing confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Keene, OH demonstrates the advantages of hair testing, including extended accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests are common, hair tests provide a more thorough detection method.
Extended Detection Window in Keene, OH emphasizes the ability of hair follicle testing to identify drug use over a longer period, up to 90 days. This offers employers insight into an individual's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Keene, OH underlines hair follicle tests' role in resisting sample tampering. This approach ensures that results remain accurate and trustworthy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Keene, OH provides seamless access to testing centers across the nation, including local options in Keene, ensuring ease of engagement in drug testing procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Keene, OH for hair follicle testing assures users of privacy and simplicity. Our process from ordering to receiving results remains discreet and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Keene, OH assures businesses of cost-effective drug testing solutions. Our competitive pricing and rapid results deliver excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Keene, OH highlight the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests. These tests offer high precision, quickly detecting substance use, ensuring superior reliability compared to other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Keene, OH are achieved through hair follicle testing. It ensures adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks, and improving safety.
