Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as a potent method, hair testing effectively detects substance and alcohol use. Hair strands maintain a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing fibers. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can offer roughly a 3-month period for spotting both alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, tough to alter, and convenient for shipping.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG analysis and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential steps in processing a drug test in laboratories are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample first enters the lab's system. This procedure verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result must undergo confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that show presumptively positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, the extraction of drugs from hair happens at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug testing as a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screenings is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is regulated by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Riegel, OH
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are ideal for recent use, hair tests provide extended timelines, making them more beneficial for thorough drug use analysis in both employment settings and legal compliance.
Extended Detection Window in New Riegel, OH
Hair follicle testing unveils a broader picture of an individual's drug use, extending up to 90 days in detection capability. This advantage delivers employers in-depth insights into an applicant's or an employee's long-term substance history, which is essential for making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Riegel, OH
Hair follicle tests drastically reduce the chance of sample adulteration. As a robust testing solution, it ensures credible, tamper-resistant outcomes, providing dependable results and mitigating the risks associated with sample manipulation inherent to other test types.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Riegel, OH
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience with nationwide centers, including in New Riegel, OH. This widespread network allows for seamless, hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring quick and easy testing processes wherever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in New Riegel, OH
Our straightforward, confidential testing process ensures privacy and ease from order to result. Utilizing sophisticated protocols, users can rest assured that their information is handled discreetly, reinforcing trust and comfort for all parties involved throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Riegel, OH
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times ensure excellent value. Organizations of all sizes benefit from our efficient and cost-effective testing solutions, gaining vital peace of mind with the assurance of high-quality, timely results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Riegel, OH
Hair follicle drug tests deliver unmatched precision, ensuring quick and accurate detection of substance use. The methodology is designed to uncover traces of drug metabolites over an extended period with superior accuracy compared to traditional methods, providing timely and reliable results that companies trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Riegel, OH
Hair follicle testing empowers employers to maintain compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. It supports legal safety, reduces risks, and contributes to a safer working environment by providing a reliable assessment of employees' and applicants' drug use history.
