Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected from near the scalp, there is a potential for up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) at the scalp’s surface will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initiation of processing a sample in a laboratory’s system. This step verifies the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any other data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial, quick examination for illicit drugs. While Screening offers an economical approach to rule out drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be viable in legal settings. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive screen results are ultimately confirmed by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if deemed necessary. The complete laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand itself and not the follicle under the scalp.
In Montville, OH, hair follicle testing is a superior alternative to urine testing. Benefits include:
Hair follicle testing in Montville, OH provides an extended detection window lasting up to 90 days. This longer range offers a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, beneficial for employers seeking to evaluate substance patterns over a more extended period, ensuring informed hiring decisions.
Montville, OH features hair follicle tests that are tamper-resistant, drastically minimizing the possibility of sample alteration. This ensures that results remain reliable and unquestionable, making it a preferred choice for those requiring a secure drug testing method.
Convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Montville, OH, enhance the accessibility of hair follicle testing services. The centers ensure that testing is quick, hassle-free, and executed with ease, benefiting individuals needing drug tests across multiple locations.
The simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Montville, OH guarantees ease of ordering, participating, and receiving results, maintaining privacy and promoting user convenience throughout.
In Montville, OH, hair follicle testing is characterized by affordable pricing and swift turnaround. Competitive pricing combined with rapid result delivery offers great value and security for businesses, no matter their size.
In Montville, OH, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their rapid and accurate results. Precision and speed are paramount, ensuring that substance use is detected with high accuracy. This testing method is designed to deliver quick results while maintaining the integrity of the assessment process.
In Montville, OH, employers gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle drug testing. It ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, lowers legal risks, and enhances overall workplace safety, providing a dependable method for drug screen compliance.
