Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's growing fibers. When sourced from a location near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch portion with roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and verification. For EtG, added tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes every other type of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a lab's framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data input not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a swift preliminary evaluation for drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to negate drug usage in the vast majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that show presumptive positives in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations than in alternate techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entirety of the laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Lake Lakengren, OH, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests through its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which often detect drug use over a short window, hair testing provides a comprehensive analysis lasting up to 90 days. This enhanced detection capability ensures more accurate insights into an individual's substance history, aiding employers in maintaining workplace integrity.
Lake Lakengren, OH employers benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days, offering detailed insights into an individual's substance use history. This method provides a comprehensive overview, distinguishing it from conventional testing options with shorter detection periods, thus supporting informed hiring and management decisions.
In Lake Lakengren, OH, hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, altering hair samples is virtually impossible, ensuring the integrity of results. This reliability fosters trust in the findings, providing a secure method for evaluating drug use and supporting the maintenance of a drug-free environment in businesses and institutions.
With convenient testing centers spread nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures residents of Lake Lakengren, OH, have easy access to hair follicle testing. Our widespread locations facilitate quick and hassle-free services, allowing individuals and employers to obtain testing without unnecessary delays, thus simplifying the process and enhancing user experience.
In Lake Lakengren, OH, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and enhancing ease of use. This structure ensures that individuals and employers can manage their testing needs discreetly and without added complexity.
Lake Lakengren, OH, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's affordable pricing and expeditious turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes, while prompt results provide timely insights into substance use, supporting proactive management and strategic decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests in Lake Lakengren, OH, stand out for their remarkable precision and rapid results. Boasting high detection accuracy for various substances, they ensure reliable insights for employers. Their swift turnaround time enhances decision-making processes, supporting timely interventions. Hair testing offers a dependable solution for substance use analysis, improving workplace safety and compliance.
Employers in Lake Lakengren, OH, can achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, this method supports a secure working environment. Its robust detection and tamper-proof nature uphold the standards necessary for a responsible and compliant business operation.