Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered a potent means for identifying alcohol and drug usage, hair testing offers a substantial timeline of alcohol and drug history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can present a detection timeframe of nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and conveniently shipped.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or extended panel tests beyond 10, 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair indicate only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into a lab’s system, which involves checking correct sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any further data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an early concise check for drug abuse. While being cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage on most specimens, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair from the original sample is collected and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
A positive screening result undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed if necessary before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the method examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing is evident in McKinley Heights, OH. Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. Not only do they provide a longer detection window, but their accuracy is unmatched, making them the reliable choice for rigorous testing environments.
Extended Detection Window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in McKinley Heights, OH. Detecting drug use over a period of up to 90 days, hair tests offer employers a comprehensive view into an employee or applicant's history, ensuring informed decisions based on reliable data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McKinley Heights, OH showcases the reliability of hair follicle tests. These tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable, unlike other testing methods susceptible to tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations including McKinley Heights, OH, provide easy access to services. Our expansive network ensures that testing is quick, straightforward, and stress-free, offering convenience regardless of location, facilitating the testing process efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in McKinley Heights, OH means ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward. Our processes prioritize privacy while being easy to navigate, addressing any concerns over confidentiality and making testing less daunting for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are priorities for our services in McKinley Heights, OH. Our competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid result delivery offer companies excellent value and peace of mind, accommodating budgets of all sizes without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McKinley Heights, OH can make a significant difference. Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision, delivering high accuracy in detecting recent and past substance use. This method ensures that results are not only swift but reliable, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers is achievable in McKinley Heights, OH through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety, crucial for employer reassurance and a secure work environment.
