Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has established itself as a formidable method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair strands. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for up to approximately three months. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be acquired. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and forwarded, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal proceedings. Samples yielding a probable positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is found to be probably positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples thought to be positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand that's analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kitts Hill, OH
In Kitts Hill, OH, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. With a broader detection window and more dependable results, hair tests offer a comprehensive overview of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which can be influenced by recent activities, hair tests showcase usage over an extended period, making them a more reliable choice.
Extended Detection Window in Kitts Hill, OH
The advantage of hair follicle testing in Kitts Hill, OH, lies in its ability to reveal drug use over a longer timeframe. These tests can trace substance use up to 90 days, offering a complete picture of an individual's drug history. This extensive detection period aids employers in making informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kitts Hill, OH
Hair follicle tests in Kitts Hill, OH, significantly lower the risk of tampering due to their robust collection and analysis procedures. This approach delivers uncontestable results, ensuring that the integrity of the testing process is maintained. The nature of hair testing makes it highly resistant to sample adulteration, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kitts Hill, OH
With testing facilities spanning across the nation, including Kitts Hill, OH, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and convenient. The extensive network ensures quick and efficient testing, reducing wait times and ensuring hassle-free processes for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kitts Hill, OH
Hair follicle testing in Kitts Hill, OH, is defined by its straightforward and private procedures. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to respect privacy while maintaining ease of access. This ensures individuals can complete testing without concerns over confidentiality breaches.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kitts Hill, OH
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Kitts Hill, OH, provides exceptional value. Businesses of varying sizes benefit from cost-effective solutions and quick delivery of results, making this service an attractive option for ensuring drug-free environments.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kitts Hill, OH
For individuals and businesses in Kitts Hill, OH, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and accurate detection capabilities. These tests deliver precise results that help identify substance use with high reliability. With advanced technology, the testing process is optimized to provide quick feedback, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive situations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kitts Hill, OH
Employers in Kitts Hill, OH, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. These tests help minimize legal liabilities and bolster workplace safety, offering assurance to businesses intent on maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
