Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has emerged as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. This method captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can afford a detection span of up to around 3 months for substances. It is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section encompassing approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equating to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both testing and verification. For EtG assessment, supplementary testing, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures involved in processing a drug test result encompass four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This process includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift preliminary assessment for substance misuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive test requires confirmation to be allowable in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a complex methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screen is executed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
There's a growing preference for hair follicle testing over urine tests in Lewis Center, OH, due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests offer a broader detection window and higher reliability, identifying drug use more effectively. As more industries adopt zero-tolerance policies, the shift towards hair testing emphasizes the importance of valid, reliable results, minimizing the chances of evasion through specimen substitution.
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Lewis Center, OH is the extended detection window it offers. With the capability to trace substance use over the past 90 days, this testing method gives employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history. Unlike other methods, hair tests enable comprehensive monitoring, ensuring a complete analysis of an employee's or applicant’s past drug use.
The hair follicle test is a tamper-resistant method that greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration in Lewis Center, OH. The collection process is directly observed, reducing the possibility of cheating, unlike urine testing techniques. This reliability ensures that the test results are unquestionably accurate, providing crucial evidence for employers dedicated to maintaining a drug-free work environment.
Accredited Drug Testing makes it easy to access testing services with convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Lewis Center, OH. The testing network ensures swift and effortless access to drug testing, whether locally or wherever life might take you. This wide availability reinforces the commitment to providing easy and hassle-free services regardless of location.
The hair follicle testing process in Lewis Center, OH is uncomplicated and confidential. Starting from ordering to receiving results, every step is designed for ease and privacy. Our process addresses privacy concerns and ensures simplicity, making it straightforward for individuals and companies alike to utilize these services confidently and discreetly without any undue hassle.
Offering competitive pricing structures alongside swift turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing delivers excellent value for companies of all sizes in Lewis Center, OH. Our affordable services ensure that businesses receive top-tier testing without breaking the bank, providing peace of mind and economically sensible solutions that support maintaining a drug-free workplace efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in Lewis Center, OH stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. The technology employed allows for precise detection, quickly identifying substance use with a high degree of accuracy. Hair tests provide a clear indication of drug consumption, making it easier for employers and officials to get dependable results, ensuring informed decisions confidently backed by science.
Employers in Lewis Center, OH can rely on hair follicle tests for compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests reassure businesses about adhering to legal standards, minimizing potential risks. Maintaining a safe and compliant environment is paramount, and using hair testing adds a layer of security and peace of mind, promoting safety and legal conformity in the workplace.
