Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil’s size) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair signify only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages of lab processing for a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective strategy to determine drug absence in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in a legal setting. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening poses the most significant challenge among methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle to urine tests in Ontario, OH, the advantages are clear. Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing lies in the superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests not only detect drug usage over a longer period but are also less susceptible to tampering, providing employers with a more complete picture of an individual's drug history than traditional urine testing can offer.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Ontario, OH, is a significant advantage for employers. This method offers the ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, providing a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's substance use history. Such extended detection capability allows employers to make informed decisions regarding hiring and employment policies.
With hair follicle testing in Ontario, OH, the risk of tampering is drastically reduced. The Tamper-Resistant Testing Method ensures that the sample provided remains unaltered, guaranteeing authentic and reliable results. This method drastically lowers the chances of sample adulteration, providing peace of mind and trust in the test outcomes.
The convenience of Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations is evident for residents of Ontario, OH. With numerous centers across the nation and local availability, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free and expeditious. This widespread accessibility ensures that anyone needing a test can obtain one quickly and efficiently.
In Ontario, OH, the Simple, Confidential Process of hair follicle testing emphasizes privacy while ensuring ease of access. From the moment you order a test to receiving your results, the confidentiality and simplicity of the process remain paramount. This protects the individual's privacy while providing a straightforward experience.
Offering Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround, Ontario, OH ensures that businesses and individuals receive excellent service quality without compromising cost-efficiency. Quick turnaround times and competitive pricing structures provide value alongside robust testing services, catering to companies and individuals of all sizes.
The precision and timeliness of hair follicle drug testing in Ontario, OH are unparalleled. Fast, Accurate, Reliable Results cater to those requiring quick but precise detection of substance use. Hair testing stands out for its high accuracy, ensuring that results are dependable and timely, meeting the expectations of both employers and individuals alike. Its accuracy makes it a preferred choice for discerning clients.
Employers in Ontario, OH can experience Compliance and Peace of Mind by opting for hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. Consistent use of hair follicle tests helps maintain an environment of trust and compliance within any business setting.
