Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampling near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and those surpassing 10 panels, it's advisable to have a 150mg sample. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a corresponding amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair exclusively indicates scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core four steps in processing a laboratory-based drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a specimen into a lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate the use of drugs for most samples, a positive result in Screening requires further confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In cases where Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from the hair in this stage at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", these exams actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Neffs, OH, hair follicle tests offer an edge over traditional urine tests due to their superior detection accuracy. With longer detection periods, they uncover substance use patterns that urine tests can't, giving a much clearer view of historical usage. The reliability of hair testing ensures more trustworthy outcomes, minimizing the room for discrepancies.
Comparison of Methods
Hair testing surpasses urine in detecting drug use over extended periods. While urine can be tampered with and only shows recent usage, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of substance history, making them a preferred choice for thorough assessments.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Neffs, OH, excels with its prolonged detection capability, spanning up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a thorough examination of an applicant or employee's drug usage history, covering a broader temporal spectrum than urine tests.
The extensive detection period of hair testing allows organizations to make well-informed hiring and monitoring decisions, reinforcing drug-free workplace initiatives while offering clarity on substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle drug tests in Neffs, OH, provide a robust deterrent against sample tampering. The inherent nature of hair testing makes it almost impossible to adulterate samples, offering reliable and definitive results that can be trusted by employers and legal bodies alike.
This tamper-resistant quality reassures clients that the outcomes are free from manipulation, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process and supporting unbiased substance use evaluations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With numerous testing centers across the nation, including local facilities in Neffs, OH, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and efficient. Accredited Drug Testing provides clients with a broad network, ensuring that services are accessible without hassle, no matter the location.
The nationwide reach enables ease of scheduling and quick turnaround, supporting clients in maintaining regular testing protocols with minimal disruption.
Simple, Confidential Process
Accredited Drug Testing in Neffs, OH, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality in their testing processes. Every step, from the initial order to receiving results, is designed to safeguard privacy and ensure a user-friendly experience.
Clients can rest assured that their information is protected, and the process remains discreet, providing comfort and convenience without sacrificing thoroughness or integrity in drug and alcohol testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing in Neffs, OH, offers competitive pricing paired with swift result delivery, making it an attractive option for businesses of varying scales. The affordability ensures that high quality and timely results are accessible to all, without compromising financial resources.
This combination of reasonable costs and quick services underscores the company's commitment to excellent value, enhancing client satisfaction and trust.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Neffs, OH, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. This method offers a high degree of accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are not only swift but also dependable. Clients benefit from the assurance that the tests are conducted with meticulousness and deliver consistent, clear-cut outcomes.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing is unmatched, providing fast turnaround results that simplify decision-making processes for employers and individuals alike. This reliability enhances peace of mind, knowing that the results reflect genuine substance usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Neffs, OH, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. Businesses leverage this method to reduce legal risks and foster a secure working environment, ultimately enhancing company safety standards.
By implementing hair testing, organizations demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free culture, securing peace of mind through reliable compliance with industry regulations and ethical workplace practices.