Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for uncovering substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy timeline of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide a detection range of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. The sampling process is straightforward, fairly challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be collected, the same amount of body hair can be taken. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for assessing a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data capture not available through an electronic chain-of-custody system.
Screening involves a quick preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are potentially positive during Screening need additional verification.
Should a sample be presumed positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initially provided sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most intricate methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is conducted using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Olive Branch, OH. The enhanced detection accuracy and reliability make hair tests preferred by employers aiming for drug-free environments. Unlike urine tests that may miss habitual use, hair analyses capture a broader range of substance use, reinforcing trust in results and enhancing workplace safety standards.
Employers seeking an extended detection window find hair follicle testing invaluable in Olive Branch, OH. Capable of identifying drug use extending back up to 90 days, this test provides a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. Such an extensive testing period offers a clearer understanding of an applicant or employee's habits beyond the narrow window of urine tests.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Olive Branch, OH provides assurance of sample integrity. The difficulty in altering or substituting hair samples significantly lowers the risks of adulteration. This reliability ensures test results remain uncontested, supporting both legal and professional standards for drug testing.
Convenience defines hair follicle testing in Olive Branch, OH, as part of a nationwide network of centers. Local availability simplifies accessing testing services, offering a seamless integration into regular business operations. This accessibility guarantees timely and efficient testing solutions across diverse geographical locations.
Hair follicle testing in Olive Branch, OH is marked by its straightforward and confidential procedure. Ordering and completing tests is a simple process, ensuring privacy and ease of use. Communication of results is discrete, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining efficiency for both individuals and businesses.
Olive Branch, OH offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, proving it as a cost-effective choice for businesses of any size. Alongside affordability, the fast turnaround on test results reinforces its value, delivering both fiscal prudence and quick feedback vital for informed decisions.
In Olive Branch, OH, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its unparalleled accuracy and swiftness. This method swiftly identifies substance use with high precision, assuring reliable outcomes. The hair test's rapid processing ensures that results are not only reliable but also delivered quickly, supporting efficient decision-making for individuals and organizations alike.
In Olive Branch, OH, hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to workplace drug policies, fostering safety and compliance. Companies employing this method benefit from minimized legal risks and enhanced employee safety. These tests offer employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace regulations.
