Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository for long-term records of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When strands are harvested near the scalp, they can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches long, consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) and gathered nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, considered ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the event that scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of drug test results consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This entails ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening provides a cost-effective manner to exclude drug use in most samples, it requires subsequent validation to be acceptable legally. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this process, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Any positive result from Screening proceeds to Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned prior to confirmation as needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Martinsville, OH, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window and higher accuracy, hair tests provide more reliable results. Urine tests, while common, are limited in their detection scope.
Employers and organizations seeking certainty turn to hair tests for their superior performance. Their ability to detect drug use over a more extended period gives them a clear edge.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Martinsville, OH, is its extended detection period. Unlike urine tests that capture recent drug use, hair tests can reflect a person's substance use over the last 90 days.
This broader window offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history, aiding in better decision-making and ensuring workplace safety.
Hair follicle tests in Martinsville, OH, are a tamper-resistant solution. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests are much less susceptible to deception.
This resistance to tampering results in more dependable outcomes, reassuring employers and organizations of the integrity of the testing process.
Convenience is at the forefront in Martinsville, OH, with numerous nationwide testing centers. This widespread network ensures effortless access to hair follicle testing services, promoting efficiency and ease.
Whether local or remote, individuals and employers can count on quick and hassle-free testing services, making the process streamlined and user-friendly.
In Martinsville, OH, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. Participants can order, take, and receive results with minimal hassle, maintaining confidentiality.
This simplicity and assurance of privacy make hair follicle tests an appealing choice for those concerned about the ease and discretion of testing procedures.
Offering competitive pricing in Martinsville, OH, hair follicle tests provide affordability without compromising quality. Quick turnaround times also ensure timely information delivery.
Businesses, regardless of size, benefit from the cost-effective nature of these tests alongside their reliable results, ensuring value for every dollar spent.
In Martinsville, OH, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision. Not only do they reliably detect drug use, but they also provide quick turnaround times, ensuring timely results. The high accuracy rate ensures that any instances of substance use are identified with precision.
By choosing hair follicle testing, individuals and employers alike benefit from the swift and precise identification of unauthorized substance use, leading to trustworthy outcomes every time.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Martinsville, OH, enhances compliance with drug-free workplace initiatives. This approach minimizes legal liabilities and bolsters a safer work environment.
Employers can be confident in their adherence to policy standards while simultaneously fostering a secure workplace. Hair tests stand out as a modern solution for maintaining compliance and peace of mind.
