Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into the lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screening outcome must be confirmed to be legally acceptable. Samples with presumption of positivity in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumed positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing - Locust Lake, OH leans towards hair follicle tests for their superior accuracy over urine methods. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive view, with increased precision in detecting long-term substance use. This sample integrity makes them a preferred choice for reliable detection, reducing false negatives common with urine testing.
Extended Detection Window - The beauty of hair follicle testing in Locust Lake, OH, lies in its ability to unveil drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged detection span offers employers a thorough lens into an individual's substance use history. The extended monitoring provides insights invisible to other testing methods, empowering more informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method - In Locust Lake, OH, hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chances of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy outcomes. Their robust sampling process ensures the integrity of results, making it exceedingly challenging for individuals to manipulate the test, thus providing employers with credence in results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations - Locust Lake, OH benefits from our vast network of testing centers, ensuring effortless access to screening services. Employees and individuals can locate nearby facilities to get tested promptly without complications, reflecting our commitment to convenience and accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process - In Locust Lake, OH, our hair follicle testing service is both easy and private. The process for ordering, undergoing testing, and receiving results is straightforward, alleviating concerns around confidentially and simplicity, ensuring a seamless experience for individuals.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround - Our Locust Lake, OH pricing for hair follicle testing remains competitive, delivering excellent service value. Quick turnaround times assure businesses of all sizes of receiving rapid results, reinforcing trust and delivering cost-effective solutions for drug testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results - In Locust Lake, OH, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle tests are unmatched. Their high accuracy in detecting substance use sets them apart from traditional testing methods. With each test, you receive results that are both rapid and reliable, helping to make informed decisions with peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers - For Locust Lake, OH employers, hair follicle tests assure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This reduces legal exposures while enhancing safety, supporting a secure working environment. Compliance with stringent standards fosters confidence and peace of mind in company operations.
