Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug intake by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for both alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and facilitates easy shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp furnishes 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal specimen size for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised, and weighing on a jeweler’s scale is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The key stages of laboratory processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This encompasses confirming the proper sealing and transportation of the sample, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result during Screening warrants confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positivity during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing is a more effective alternative in Lyons, OH. One of the key benefits is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing is not only harder to cheat, but it also offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug use history, making it an ideal choice for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies on substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Lyons, OH, stands out for its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This allows employers to gain an in-depth understanding of an applicant or employee's history with substances, providing them with essential insight into behavioral patterns over a prolonged period.
The hair follicle test is virtually tamper-resistant, reducing the risk of sample tampering. In Lyons, OH, this method assures employers of receiving consistent and reliable results, minimizing the likelihood of manipulation during the testing process. Its integrity gives employers confidence in the accuracy of the testing outcome.
With nationwide testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with locations in Lyons, OH, and across the country. Accessing these testing services is streamlined for efficiency, ensuring services are readily available and convenient, saving time and effort for both companies and individuals.
The process for hair follicle testing in Lyons, OH, is straightforward and confidential. Individuals can order, take, and receive results without compromising privacy. This simple method addresses any concerns of ease of use, offering a seamless experience from start to finish.
Accredited Drug Testing prides itself on competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Lyons, OH. Companies of all sizes can benefit from affordable costs coupled with swift service delivery. This ensures both affordability and peace of mind, ensuring businesses can act quickly based on their test results.
In Lyons, OH, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed and accuracy. These tests are well-known for their ability to precisely identify substance use, making them an optimal choice for employers and individuals seeking reliable results. The methodology ensures that the detection process is swift, providing results that can be trusted and acted upon promptly.
For employers in Lyons, OH, using hair follicle testing secures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also contributes to enhanced safety within the work environment. Implementing this testing method helps employers maintain a secure, compliant workplace, providing peace of mind.
