Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a significant method for identifying substance use. By embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers, it provides a detailed timeline of drug and alcohol consumption. When gathered near the scalp, it offers a detection period extending up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A hair segment measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, gives 100mg of hair—ideal for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG and other advanced screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferable. It's advised to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, the same quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we're specifically talking about scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase whereby a sample is processed into the lab system, ensuring it was secured and transported correctly, attaching a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry from electronic chain of custody records.
Screening is the first checkpoint for drugs, offering a cost-effective means to dismiss drug presence in most cases, while any positive results need further validation to stand legal scrutiny. Samples with suspected positive findings in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction, where drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly complex to execute.
Validation of any positive Screening outcomes is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Trumps Urine Testing: In Limaville, OH, hair follicle testing is gaining traction over traditional urine testing due to its superior accuracy and reliability. With an extended detection window, this method provides a clearer picture of an individual’s substance use history, delivering trustworthy results.
Dependable Detection: Unlike urine tests, which may offer limited insight, hair follicle testing encompasses a broader spectrum of detection, making it less susceptible to short-term fluctuations, thus offering unparalleled assurance in results.
Extended Insight: The ability of hair follicle testing in Limaville, OH to detect drug use over approximately 90 days offers employers a valuable overview of an individual’s substance history. This extended detection period provides a comprehensive insight, distinguishing long-term patterns from short-term usage.
Thorough Monitoring: Offering a lengthy detection timeline, this testing method facilitates continuous monitoring, thereby supporting decisions made in hiring or compliance scenarios with confidence.
Security Against Adulteration: Hair follicle tests substantially lower the chances of sample tampering in Limaville, OH. This robust method offers conclusive and trusted results, minimizing any potential for manipulation commonly associated with other testing types.
Reliable Results: By ensuring the integrity of samples, hair testing provides undeniable proof of substance use, safeguarding against fraudulent practices and enhancing the authenticity of drug testing programs.
Nationwide Accessibility: Our testing centers spread across the nation, including Limaville, OH, make the process swift and accessible. Ensuring easy access, our widespread network facilitates seamless testing experiences for all clients.
Local Convenience: With strategically located facilities, we guarantee hassle-free access to drug testing services, meeting the needs of our customers efficiently in both local and wider settings.
Effortless Process: The process for hair follicle drug testing in Limaville, OH, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, reassuring users of privacy while remaining straightforward from ordering to results delivery.
Easy and Private: Offering a discrete approach to drug testing, our services ensure that the experience is both user-friendly and secure, preserving the integrity and confidentiality of each client’s information.
Competitive Pricing: Offering reasonable rates and fast processing, our hair follicle testing in Limaville, OH provides businesses of all sizes exceptional value. This ensures both cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Quick Turnaround: Our testing procedure not only supports budget-conscious solutions but also promises timely results, aligning with the requirements and expectations of diverse client bases.
Precision and Swiftness: Hair follicle drug tests in Limaville, OH provide results marked by accuracy and promptness. This testing method is known for its high precision in identifying substance use, eliminating doubts around the consistency of drug testing outcomes.
Rapid and Dependable: Faster than many other methods, hair testing offers quick processing yet maintains reliability, catering to the needs of individual clients and organizations seeking dependable results.
Confidence in Compliance: Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies in Limaville, OH, bolstering legal compliance and safety standards. This reliable method reassures employers while maintaining a drug-free environment.
Peace of Mind: Reducing potential legal risks while promoting security, hair testing empowers organizations to uphold safety policies effectively, offering reassurance to both management and staff.
