Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are recognized as an effective means to uncover alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Hair collected near the scalp can reveal up to a three-month timeline for alcohol and drug detection. It is easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and supplemental tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specify scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's tracking system, ensuring proper seal and shipment of the samples, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data entry absent from electronic custody systems.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for substances. While it effectively excludes drug use in most samples without excessive cost, positive results in Screening need verification for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening demand additional confirmation.
Should a sample be deemed positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, lower concentrations of drugs are extracted from the hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation for any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are rinsed before confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation follows both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 certification requirements.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lafferty, OH - Hair testing stands superior due to its extended detection window and reliability over urine testing. While urine tests capture recent usage, hair follicle tests uncover a broader history, offering peace of mind with precise and trustworthy outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Lafferty, OH - The capability to track drug use up to 90 days prior offers employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, aiding in better assessment and decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lafferty, OH - Hair follicle testing significantly lowers the chances of sample tampering, ensuring the delivery of results that are both dependable and incontestable. This level of integrity is crucial for maintaining trust in testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lafferty, OH - Our nationwide centers make drug testing effortlessly accessible, ensuring quick and easy service for clients, including those in Lafferty and other areas.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lafferty, OH - From ordering to receiving results, our process remains straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use throughout the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lafferty, OH - We offer competitive prices combined with speedy processing times, delivering exceptional value for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lafferty, OH - The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, offering high accuracy in identifying substance use. With its ability to provide clear results quickly, this method satisfies the urgent need for reliable data, ensuring informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lafferty, OH - Hair follicle testing aids in adhering to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal issues, and promoting a secure working environment, granting employers assurance in their policy enforcement.
