Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a protracted record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. By acquiring samples near the scalp, hair can yield a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drug usage. Collection of hair is straightforward, with a low likelihood of tampering, and it is easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment with around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. When testing for EtG, additional substances, or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. By head hair, we mean scalp hair strictly. Body hair pertains to other hair forms (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is introduced into the laboratory system. This step involves checking that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening offers an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result in the screen demands a subsequent confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, a further portion of hair is taken from the primary specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In New Baltimore, OH, hair tests outperform traditional urine tests. With extended detection times and increased accuracy, hair tests are the preferred choice for employers and courts. While urine tests offer a shorter detection window, hair tests capture a broader substance use history and prove less susceptible to tampering, ensuring reliable results every time. Choose hair testing for unmatched accuracy and peace of mind.
Extended Detection Window
In New Baltimore, OH, hair follicle testing offers an advantageous detection period up to 90 days, giving employers a comprehensive view of an applicant's substance history. This extensive window ensures accurate insight into an individual's long-term drug use, proving invaluable for decisions in recruitment and workplace safety. Hair testing helps build robust evaluations of past drug use over a significant period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in New Baltimore, OH significantly reduce the chances of sample tampering, providing reliable results every time. The sturdiness of hair samples makes them inherently less vulnerable to adulteration, unlike other testing methods. This factor ensures trustworthy outcomes for employers, courts, and individuals, upholding the integrity of the testing process and the evaluation of results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Serving the New Baltimore, OH area, our vast network of nationwide testing centers provides quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Local presence in key areas ensures convenience for clients, supporting efficient scheduling and swift results. With our widespread reach, testing becomes less of a chore and more of a seamless part of maintaining a drug-free environment.
Simple, Confidential Process
In New Baltimore, OH, our drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy while ensuring that ordering, taking, and receiving results is user-friendly and stress-free. With a focus on ease of use and discretion, clients can rest assured that their testing experience is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality, fostering trust and reliability.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In New Baltimore, OH, our drug testing services promise competitive pricing with speedy turnaround. We cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring excellent value without compromising quality. Our quick result times and cost-effective structure provide businesses the assurance needed to make informed decisions swiftly and efficiently, contributing to a safe, compliant workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In New Baltimore, OH, hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision and swiftness. Renowned for their high accuracy in detecting substances, these tests ensure dependable evaluations of drug use. Business owners and authorities favor hair tests over other methods due to their consistency and speed, promising a dependable analysis of substance use in a timely fashion.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For employers in New Baltimore, OH, hair follicle testing serves as a reliable tool to ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, hair testing helps maintain stringent standards without compromising on results’ accuracy. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they have upheld regulatory standards, safeguarding their workforce and reputation.