Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair offers an extended history of substance use. When hair is taken near the scalp, it enables detection up to around a 3-month period for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch snippet consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the prime sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a matching amount of body hair can be obtained. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missed information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening is an affordable means to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive findings require confirmation to stand in judicial settings. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory follow-up.
If the sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the sample and readied for Extraction. During this process, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used to affirm any positive screening outcomes. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a washing process before confirmation if required. Throughout the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation, adherence is maintained to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the process evaluates the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McDermott, OH
The efficiency of hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in McDermott, OH. These tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, offering insights that urine tests might miss. While urine tests can detect recent substance use, hair follicle tests present a broader overview, enabling better-informed decisions based on concrete data.
Extended Detection Window in McDermott, OH
Offering a remarkable 90-day detection period, hair follicle drug tests provide employers in McDermott, OH with an in-depth view of an individual's substance use history. This extended window ensures a more comprehensive assessment compared to other testing methods, solidifying its place as the preferred choice for accurate, long-term insights into past substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McDermott, OH
McDermott's hair follicle drug tests are inherently resistant to tampering, ensuring unquestionable results. Unlike other methods, hair tests maintain their integrity by significantly minimizing sample adulteration risks. This reliability is critical for accurate drug testing, providing peace of mind with every analysis.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McDermott, OH
With testing centers nationwide, including convenient sites in McDermott, OH, accessing hair follicle drug testing has never been easier. Quick and hassle-free, our expansive network ensures that your testing needs are met promptly and efficiently, regardless of your location or schedule.
Simple, Confidential Process in McDermott, OH
In McDermott, OH, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, every step is designed to respect privacy while ensuring ease of use. This approach addresses any concerns about confidentiality, making the entire process user-friendly and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McDermott, OH
Delivering competitive pricing and swift result times, hair follicle drug testing in McDermott, OH offers tremendous value. Companies of all sizes benefit from cost-effective solutions paired with rapid turnaround, ensuring they receive critical information without breaking their budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McDermott, OH
Hair follicle drug tests in McDermott, OH stand out due to their speed and precision. When it comes to detecting substance use, these tests are celebrated for their exceptional accuracy. Not only do they rapidly provide results, but they also minimize errors commonly associated with traditional testing methods, assuring you of reliable data every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McDermott, OH
Employers in McDermott can ensure workplace safety and adhere to drug-free policies with hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal liabilities and strengthens policy compliance. By opting for hair tests, employers not only enhance safety but also cultivate a more secure environment.
