Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The examination of hair has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of long-term usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the continuously growing hair. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window that extends up to roughly three months for both drugs and alcohol. The collection process for hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to send.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for preliminary exams and thorough analysis. For additional tests like EtG or for analyses beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing is suggested. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair indicate only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The pivotal stages in processing a laboratory drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the primary phase where a sample is entered into a laboratory’s framework. This process ascertains that the sample has been sealed and transported correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a verified positive finding is mandatory for legal acceptability. Samples yielding a presumptively positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Samples with a presumptive positive outcome during the Screening phase are subjected to further specimen collection and undergo preparatory steps for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that preliminarily test positive undergo washing before confirmation is executed where necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Common terminology may label these as "hair follicle tests," but the analysis focuses on the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lebanon, OH, surpasses urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair tests can reveal drug use over a longer period, offering a comprehensive overview of substance use history. This advantage makes hair testing a preferred choice for those needing rigorous and reliable results.
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage in Lebanon, OH, with its extended detection window that spans up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, offering insights beyond the immediate timeframe that traditional tests cover. The lengthy detection period thus becomes a valuable tool in managing workplace safety.
Reducing the risk of sample adulteration, hair follicle tests in Lebanon, OH, offer a tamper-resistant testing method that provides reliable outcomes. The observed collection process prevents manipulation of samples, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the test results. This method ensures that the findings are both trustworthy and incontrovertible.
In Lebanon, OH, and beyond, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient and accessible testing locations nationwide. This widespread network allows individuals and employers to benefit from quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring that drug testing needs are met efficiently and effectively, no matter the location.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures a simple and confidential process in Lebanon, OH, for ordering and conducting hair follicle drug tests. Clients are assured of privacy throughout the process, from the initial order to receiving the test results, making it an approachable choice for any individual or business looking to maintain discretion confidently.
In Lebanon, OH, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing with fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. This cost-effective solution provides excellent value to companies of all sizes, reinforcing the ability to maintain a drug-free environment without financial strain, thus bringing peace of mind to all involved parties.
In Lebanon, OH, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and precise results. Unlike other methods, they offer unparalleled accuracy when detecting substance use, making them a reliable choice for employers and individuals seeking dependable outcomes. The speed at which these tests deliver results ensures timely decisions without compromising on precision, proving their effectiveness in monitoring drug use.
Using hair follicle testing in Lebanon, OH, helps employers assure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind. Employers can confidently enforce zero-tolerance policies, knowing they have a robust testing method supporting their standards and regulations.
