Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair records a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of sprouting hair. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month evaluation period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches encompassing approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal specimen for analysis and verification. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a proportional quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in a laboratory's processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen within a laboratory’s framework. This covers ensuring the specimen was properly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid examination for substances of misuse. Although Screening effectively rules out drug use for most samples at a lower cost, a positive screen must be verified to be legal in court. Any samples that are initially positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is initially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is culled from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. In this phase, substances are derived from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Lisbon, OH, hair tests prove superior in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection window and are nearly impossible to tamper with, ensuring a more truthful representation of an individual's substance use history. Hair testing is an excellent choice for employers seeking a trustworthy screening method.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Lisbon, OH, is its extended detection period. This method can uncover drug use up to 90 days prior, offering employers comprehensive insights into an employee's or applicant's past substance habits. Such a long detection window is invaluable for maintaining a drug-free workplace and making informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Lisbon, OH, are inherently tamper-resistant, which significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. The test's design ensures that collected samples are reliable, delivering trustworthy results. This integrity makes hair testing a preferred choice for those seeking incontrovertible proof of substance use, reinforcing its credibility among employers and legal entities.
With a network of nationwide centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessibility to hair follicle testing in Lisbon, OH. The convenience of having local and nationwide testing sites makes it simple for individuals and organizations to access these services without hassle, ensuring a smooth process and quick turnaround for all testing needs.
In Lisbon, OH, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results for hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and confidential. This approach prioritizes user privacy and a seamless experience, eliminating concerns related to complexity or data security. Accredited Drug Testing provides a user-friendly process that ensures comfort and discretion.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests in Lisbon, OH. This combination of affordability and efficiency provides excellent value, catering to businesses of all sizes. The competitive pricing structure ensures that quality and reliability are accessible to anyone needing drug testing services.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Lisbon, OH, make them highly reliable. These tests are renowned for their ability to detect substance use with high accuracy, ensuring that results are dependable and rapid. Utilizing advanced technology, hair testing reduces the risk of false positives and negatives, providing quick results, which are essential for making informed decisions in a timely manner.
For employers in Lisbon, OH, utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies, providing peace of mind. This method enhances safety and reduces potential legal risks by ensuring that workplace regulations are upheld. Hair testing serves as a robust tool that aligns with company policies while promoting a secure work environment.
