Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers within the hair as it grows. Gathered near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drug presence. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional assessments, or evaluations beyond ten panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's framework, ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally permissible. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase, where drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before validation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this analysis evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine in Mack, OH
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine testing, the benefits are clear. Hair testing offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use as far back as 90 days. This surpasses the typical urine test timeline, which is significantly shorter. Furthermore, hair testing's accuracy is unparalleled, ensuring reliable results that are crucial for identifying habitual substance use over mere recent usage, giving employers broad assurance.
Extended Detection Window in Mack, OH
The extended detection capability of hair follicle tests in Mack, OH provides employers a wider span of insight into substance use. Unlike other test methods, hair follicle analysis offers a comprehensive view, covering up to 90 days of drug history. This allows employers the opportunity to better understand an individual's long-term substance use habits, which is critical for assessing patterns that might affect workplace safety and productivity.
Less Prone to Tampering in Mack, OH
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle drug testing in Mack, OH is the significantly reduced risk of tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the hair test is inherently tamper-resistant, as it requires a sample that is difficult to adulterate or substitute. This ensures the integrity and accuracy of the test results, giving stakeholders confidence in the process and the outcomes, solidifying trust in this kind of testing protocol.
Accessible Testing in Mack, OH
Accredited Drug Testing made testing accessible with numerous nationwide and local facilities in Mack, OH. This vast network guarantees that individuals and companies can obtain testing services with ease and minimal disruption. The convenience of location accessibility is complemented by streamlined processes that make drug testing a hassle-free experience, further enhancing service efficiency and satisfaction among users.
Effortless and Confidential in Mack, OH
The process for hair follicle testing in Mack, OH is designed to be both simple and private. From ordering the test to receiving results, confidentiality is prioritized. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that every step is conducted with utmost respect for the participants' privacy, allowing clients to navigate the testing procedure with ease and confidence, knowing that their information will be handled securely and discreetly.
Value-Driven Pricing in Mack, OH
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures that cater to a variety of organizational sizes, ensuring that high-quality drug testing services are accessible to all. Coupled with swift turnaround times, clients benefit from excellent value, receiving reliable results in a timely manner. This approach provides peace of mind, knowing that they are investing in prompt and precise testing without exorbitant costs.
Fast Results in Mack, OH
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its rapidity in yielding results, ensuring individuals or organizations can swiftly proceed with decisions based on solid substance use evidence. This method stands out for the meticulous precision it achieves, capturing accurate readings that reflect genuine usage patterns. Employing advanced detection technologies, it offers an efficient, streamlined process from sample collection to result delivery.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Mack, OH
Implementing hair follicle drug testing in Mack, OH provides employers with the assurance of compliance with workplace drug policies, potentially reducing legal risks. By adopting this method, businesses can foster a safer working environment while ensuring adherence to drug-free initiatives. This process not only mitigates the potential for substance-related incidents but also aligns with broader organizational health and safety goals.
