Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by securing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer around a 90-day window of detection for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches from roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a collection of 150mg is suggested. To ensure accuracy, using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result includes four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample enters the lab's system. This step entails ensuring the sample is sealed and transported properly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an introductory quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient process to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screen is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all positive samples undergo washing as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Kingsville, OH
Comparing hair to urine tests in North Kingsville, OH, hair follicle testing emerges superior in accuracy. With a detection window of up to 90 days, it offers unrivaled reliability. This extended timeframe ensures a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history, as opposed to traditional urine tests that reflect more recent usage.
Extended Detection Window in North Kingsville, OH
Hair follicle testing in North Kingsville, OH, provides an impressive detection timeframe of up to 90 days, surpassing the capabilities of standard methods. This extensive window allows employers to gain a detailed view of a person's past drug use, helping them make informed decisions, whether for hiring or monitoring purposes within the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Kingsville, OH
In North Kingsville, OH, hair follicle drug tests present a robust solution against tampering. The collection process for hair samples is well-observed, significantly lowering the chance of sample adulteration. This ensures the integrity of the results, providing undoubted reliability for individuals and institutions relying on these results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Kingsville, OH
Accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient in North Kingsville, OH, thanks to our widespread network of testing locations. This ensures speedy and straightforward access to necessary testing services, minimizing hassle and helping individuals and businesses maintain regulated drug testing protocols efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Kingsville, OH
In North Kingsville, OH, our hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the process ensures privacy and ease of use. This addresses common privacy concerns, providing individuals with peace of mind while maintaining a straightforward approach to drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Kingsville, OH
Our hair follicle testing services in North Kingsville, OH, offer competitive pricing with rapid turnaround times. This provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective outcomes without compromising on the quality or speed of results, delivering peace of mind promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Kingsville, OH
Hair follicle drug testing boasts impressive accuracy and speed. In North Kingsville, OH, these tests quickly reveal drug presence, offering a precise mechanism for monitoring substance use. The method's reliability ensures that results are trusted by all parties involved, making them a preferred choice for thorough analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Kingsville, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing in North Kingsville, OH, assists employers in maintaining compliance with workplace drug policies. This method boosts workplace safety, minimizing legal risks. The assurance that hair testing provides helps enhance organizational trust and confidence in employee substance management.
