Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by storing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for evaluation and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is nonexistent, an identical amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's database. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to rule out drug usage across most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court acceptance. Samples appearing positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample is assumed positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Lower Salem, OH In comparison with traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior detection capabilities. While urine tests might miss recent or long-term usage, hair testing captures up to 90 days of drug history, assuring greater accuracy and reliability. This makes it a trusted choice for employers and organizations prioritizing comprehensive screening.
Extended Detection Window in Lower Salem, OH Hair follicle testing offers a notable detection period, revealing drug usage extending up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers in Lower Salem to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history, ensuring a well-rounded assessment that urine tests cannot match.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lower Salem, OH Hair follicle testing is a robust method known for minimizing risks of sample tampering. Its inherent design ensures the integrity of samples, delivering trustworthy results that uphold the testing process's credibility in Lower Salem. This assurance makes it ideal for any environment needing indisputable results.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Lower Salem, OH Our expansive network of testing centers, including local facilities in Lower Salem, OH, guarantees easy and quick access to testing services. This convenience allows for hassle-free scheduling and sample collection, meeting diverse testing needs without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lower Salem, OH The procedure for hair follicle drug testing is designed to be straightforward and discreet. Clients in Lower Salem can trust the process for seamless ordering and efficient result delivery, prioritizing privacy while ensuring ease of use for a worry-free experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lower Salem, OH Our testing services are competitively priced, providing excellent value without sacrificing speed. We guarantee rapid turnaround times, allowing businesses of all sizes to access high-quality testing solutions that suit their budget and meet their operational timelines.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Lower Salem, OH Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and efficiency. They offer a reliable technique for detecting substance use, granting swift results without compromising accuracy. In Lower Salem, OH, these tests ensure prompt, reliable outcomes, making them a preferred choice for institutions needing dependable screening methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lower Salem, OH Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind and reducing legal liabilities for employers. It not only strengthens safety protocols but also ensures adherence to compliance requirements, creating a secure working environment.
