Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for as much as three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp equates to 100mg, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If head hair isn't accessible, a comparative amount of body hair is a suitable alternative. When mentioning head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for lab processing of drug tests comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the laboratory’s system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any remaining data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, cost-efficient check for drug use. Although it helps eliminate drug use suspicions in most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair in much lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, and is accredited in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lorain, OH, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in several ways. The key benefit lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can reveal substance use that may be undetectable through urine tests.
Unlike traditional urine testing, hair tests are less intrusive and can detect a longer history of use, rendering attempts to evade detection nearly impossible. This makes it a preferred choice for ensuring a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing in Lorain, OH offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive period allows employers to get a clearer view of an individual's substance use history.
Employers benefit from this extended window as it provides insight beyond recent usage, allowing for informed assessments of a candidate or employee's past behavior. This long-term detection capability is a primary advantage over other testing methods.
Hair follicle tests provided in Lorain, OH, offer a tamper-resistant method that drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration. The robust nature of this testing method provides reliable and conclusive results.
By using this method, employers and professionals achieve peace of mind knowing the results are dependable and not easily manipulated. This reduces the need for retesting and ensures high integrity in drug testing programs.
Our widely accessible testing locations nationwide, including in Lorain, OH, provide convenience and efficiency for all clients. Whether you are a business or individual, accessing our testing services is seamless.
With centers strategically located, prompt and hassle-free testing services are guaranteed. This network of locations ensures testing is available when and where needed, enhancing the customer experience through easy accessibility.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Lorain, OH, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, the entire procedure prioritizes user privacy and ease of use.
Clients benefit from a simple process that alleviates concerns about confidentiality and handling of sensitive information, ensuring a stress-free experience. This approach builds trust and encourages compliance with necessary testing procedures.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Lorain, OH, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value for companies of various sizes. Fast results ensure businesses maintain efficiency without breaking the bank.
This service emphasizes budget-friendly testing options without compromising on quality or reliability, meeting the needs of employers keen on safeguarding their workplaces while managing costs effectively.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched in Lorain, OH, providing fast and reliable results. These tests boast accuracy in detecting substance usage. Their ability to identify a variety of substances with high sensitivity ensures trust in the results.
Employers and courts can depend on the speed yet thoroughness of hair testing for crucial decision-making processes. The rapid analysis process of hair samples makes this method a favored choice where timeliness and accuracy are paramount.
In Lorain, OH, hair follicle testing helps assure compliance with workplace drug policies, minimizing legal risks. This testing method enhances workplace security by ensuring employees adhere to a drug-free environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are fostering a safe working atmosphere. Hair testing offers a reliable defense against potential legal challenges related to drug policy violations in the workplace.
