Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands provide a historical record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the continually growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other categories of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four core phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing the sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for drug misuse. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in a majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, extra hair is drawn from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing takes center stage in Old Washington, OH, due to its superior detection capabilities over urine tests. With a longer detection window, hair tests offer a comprehensive overview of drug use patterns, ensuring that no substances go unnoticed. While urine tests serve their purpose, hair testing steps ahead, delivering reliability and depth that urine analysis cannot match, safeguarding workplaces with greater certainty.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional methods is its extended detection window. In Old Washington, OH, this means that substance use can be traced back up to 90 days. Employers benefit from this extensive timeframe, gaining insights into an individual’s long-term substance habits rather than just recent activity. Such comprehensive data supports informed decision-making in the workplace.
In Old Washington, OH, hair follicle testing stands out due to its tamper-resistant characteristics. Unlike other methods that are susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide secured results. This reliability is crucial, ensuring that the collected samples reflect genuine results that cannot easily be contested or manipulated, fostering trust in the testing process and reassuring employers of the findings' authenticity.
Find convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Old Washington, OH. Our extensive network of testing centers allows quick and easy access to services, eliminating the hassle often associated with drug testing. Whether you're an individual or a business, our widespread availability ensures seamless service delivery without geographical constraints, making professional testing accessible to all.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Old Washington, OH, ensures user-friendly service. From ordering to testing and receiving results, each step is designed for ease of use, prioritizing privacy at all times. Individuals can confidently engage with the process, knowing their personal information and results are protected, thus fostering a trustworthy relationship with the service providers.
Old Washington, OH, offers affordable pricing for hair follicle testing, paired with fast turnaround times. With competitive pricing structures, businesses of all sizes find excellent value in our services. Quick results ensure operational efficiency, giving companies the reassurance they need without straining budgets, enhancing their ability to maintain a drug-free workplace without financial burden.
In Old Washington, OH, the hair follicle drug test is known for its precision and speed. These tests offer highly accurate results in identifying substance use, providing a dependable means for employers and authorities to maintain a drug-free environment. The efficiency of hair testing ensures timely results without compromising accuracy, making it an invaluable tool in modern substance testing methods.
Employers in Old Washington, OH, achieve peace of mind by adopting hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. By using reliable testing, workplaces enhance safety and productivity. As a result, both employers and employees can feel secure, knowing that workplace standards are maintained consistently and effectively.
