Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding markers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window for alcohol and drugs of up to around 3 months. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. Regarding head hair, we refer to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be admissible in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need a further confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentatively positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Midvale, OH are plentiful. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, crucial for identifying long-term substance use, thus providing a more comprehensive insight into an individual's history. In contrast to traditional urine tests, hair analysis stands out for its extended detection period and reliability, ensuring that employers get a consistent understanding of an applicant’s or employee's habits over time.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Midvale, OH is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can trace drug use back up to an impressive 90 days. This feature enables employers to gain a meaningful understanding of an individual's substance use history. It aids in evaluating the long-term behavioral patterns of potential hires or current employees, offering peace of mind in decision-making processes.
Hair follicle tests provide a highly tamper-resistant method of drug testing in Midvale, OH. By collecting hair samples in a supervised environment, the chances of adulteration are minimized significantly. This reliability ensures that the test results are trustworthy and questions of sample integrity are addressed. Thus, businesses can maintain their drug policies with confidence, knowing the screenings are free from potential manipulation.
Midvale, OH residents benefit from convenient nationwide testing locations, including local options. The extensive network of testing centers ensures that individuals and employers have quick and streamlined access to necessary drug testing services. The ease of accessibility means that obtaining a drug test is not only fast but also hassle-free, supporting both personal and professional requirements efficiently.
Understanding the need for a simple and confidential process in Midvale, OH paves the way for a seamless experience in hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to safeguard privacy and ensure ease of use. This clarity and assurance alleviate concerns regarding privacy, making it straightforward to comply with testing protocols without unnecessary complications.
With a focus on affordable pricing and speedy results, Midvale, OH testing services provide excellent value to businesses. Competitive pricing structures, paired with fast turnaround times, cater to the specific requirements of organizations, ensuring they don't compromise on quality while keeping budget considerations in mind. This approach delivers outstanding service and peace of mind to companies of every size.
Hair follicle drug testing in Midvale, OH is renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests highlight their precision by detecting a wide range of substances. The meticulous nature of hair analysis ensures high accuracy, empowering Midvale organizations to depend on the results' integrity. With swift processing times, businesses can rely on these tests to make informed decisions swiftly and confidently.
Employers in Midvale, OH find compliance and peace of mind through the adoption of hair follicle testing. By ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, companies mitigate legal risks associated with substance abuse. This testing method enhances safety and workplace culture, offering stability and reassurance that their policies are enforced effectively, promoting a healthier work environment.
