Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. It offers a comprehensive history of substances, capturing biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for substances that lasts up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, added tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. All other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) are categorized as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initially processing a sample into the lab's system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening needs verification to be permissible in a legal context. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening demand an additional confirmation procedure.
If the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is particularly complex.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to the necessary confirmation. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing methods in New Lexington, OH, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing. Hair tests provide a more reliable detection system, capable of identifying substance use with greater accuracy, making it superior in offering comprehensive and dependable results.
Hair follicle testing offers an expanded detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days in New Lexington, OH. This extended period enables employers to gain a clear and thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in New Lexington, OH, significantly minimizes the potential for sample adulteration. This method assures that results remain reliable and unquestionable, enhancing the credibility of the testing process.
Our testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, including New Lexington, OH, ensuring accessible, quick, and hassle-free drug testing services. This extensive network allows individuals and organizations to access our reliable testing services with ease and convenience.
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in New Lexington, OH, is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize customer privacy and user-friendliness to ensure a seamless and worry-free experience.
Offering cost-effective pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in New Lexington, OH, provide excellent value for businesses of every size. This combination of affordability and efficiency ensures satisfaction and peace of mind.
In New Lexington, OH, hair follicle drug tests are known for their swift and dependable results. This testing method boasts high precision in identifying substance use, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive accurate and trustworthy data promptly.
By implementing hair follicle testing in New Lexington, OH, employers can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, providing peace of mind and security for organizations.
