Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures and holds biomarkers within the fiber as it grows, thereby offering a comprehensive history of substances such as alcohol. When taken from near the scalp, hair samples can reflect substance use over a span of up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock consisting of 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken closest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal sample weight for both screening and confirmation analysis. For EtG assessments, additional panels over ten, or specific add-ons, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If scalp hair is inadequate, a proportional quantity of body hair is an alternative. 'Head hair' means scalp hair only, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is comprised of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's entry into the laboratory system, involving verification of proper sealing and shipping, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any necessary supplemental data entry, apart from what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening is a preliminary assessment aimed at detecting substance misuse. Although it is a cost-efficient technique for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive findings must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples found potentially positive during Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drug substances are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results obtained from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any samples identified as presumptive positive receive a wash before the confirmation process when necessary. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the complete laboratory procedure is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program as well as the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often arises, but the actual test analyzes the hair itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Benefits of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing - In Loveland Park, OH, the advantages of opting for hair testing against urine tests are increasingly evident. Hair tests offer superior detection reliability, capturing a longer history of drug use, which urine tests can't match. Their accuracy provides invaluable insight for concerned parties.
Prolonged Detection Window - Hair follicle testing in Loveland Park, OH is favored for its ability to reveal drug use over an extensive period, often up to 90 days. This extended window empowers employers with a thorough profile of a candidate’s or employee’s drug history.
Testing Integrity Enhanced - Hair follicle tests in Loveland Park, OH provide unmatched protection against sample tampering. Their inherent design makes adulteration difficult, ensuring integrity in results that stakeholders can depend on.
Accessible Testing Locations - Loveland Park, OH benefits from our comprehensive network of testing centers, simplifying access to hair follicle tests. Convenient locations nationally promote a seamless testing experience with minimal stress and effort.
Clear and Private Process - In Loveland Park, OH, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result delivery, every step respects privacy, offering an easy path through the testing cycle.
Cost-Effective and Swift Services - Loveland Park, OH enjoys competitive prices paired with rapid result turnaround for hair follicle tests. Our pricing structure is designed to deliver excellent value, keeping company budgets in mind while ensuring quality service.
Speed and Precision in Testing - Loveland Park, OH embraces hair follicle testing owing to the fast and precise outcomes it provides in detecting drug use. This method delivers high accuracy, ensuring trust in the results. Designed for swift processing, it meets the demands of today’s fast-paced environments.
Ensuring Compliance and Comfort - For employers in Loveland Park, OH, hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining drug-free policies, reducing possible legal ramifications. This practice underscores workplace safety, providing peace of mind and compliance assurance.
