Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
In recent years, hair analysis has been recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair functions as a long-term record of substance use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can allow for an approximate three-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair samples are easy to obtain, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
Collecting a 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When addressing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair denotes other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in the laboratory analysis for a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample being logged into the laboratory's system. This process involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, if a sample tests positive, further confirmation is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results from Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples that show presumptive positive results during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair testing the most challenging.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation to the needed extent. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Typically called "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In New Athens, OH, comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing reveals distinct advantages. Hair testing outshines traditional urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can identify substance use over an extended period and is less susceptible to manipulation, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing stands out in New Athens, OH, for its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, it provides a detailed insight into a person’s substance use history. This prolonged detection ability is valuable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug-related behavior, ensuring informed decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests makes them highly reliable in New Athens, OH. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver unquestionable results. This resistance to tampering ensures that the outcomes are valid and trustworthy, offering peace of mind to employers and authorities alike regarding the authenticity of the test results.
With numerous testing locations across the nation, including in New Athens, OH, accessing hair follicle testing services is convenient and straightforward. Our widespread presence enables quick and hassle-free testing, ensuring individuals and organizations can undergo testing with minimal inconvenience. This broad reach supports the prompt achievement of testing needs.
The process in New Athens, OH, for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. It ensures privacy at all stages: ordering, testing, and receiving results. This simplicity coupled with confidentiality addresses user concerns, making it an attractive option for those seeking assured privacy alongside ease of use, thereby enhancing the overall testing experience.
In New Athens, OH, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing. Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value, while the swift processing of results provides companies of all sizes with timely information. This combination allows businesses to budget effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and peace of mind.
In New Athens, OH, hair follicle drug testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of hair testing is unparalleled, spotting substance use with remarkable exactness. Its accuracy in tracing substances gives both employers and individuals confidence in the results. The speed of processing ensures quick turnarounds, making it a preferred choice for immediate and trustworthy outcomes.
Employers in New Athens, OH benefit from using hair follicle testing for compliance and peace of mind. It helps enforce workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. This method supports a commitment to a secure work environment, ensuring organizations meet regulatory standards and maintain operational integrity without legal concerns.
