Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a long-term record of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. By obtaining samples close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period for alcohol and drugs of up to roughly 3 months. It's straightforward to gather, relatively tricky to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the prime amount for assessment and validation. When conducting EtG, additional tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair strictly pertain to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This includes confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, applying a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid inspection for drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive finding must be validated to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that show presumptive positives in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. During this procedure, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations much lower than those utilized in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Any positive screening result receives Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to accreditation standards ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Orient, OH
In Orient, OH, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are evident. Hair tests provide enhanced detection accuracy with a prolonged detection timeline, capturing substance use history unavailable through typical urine testing. This method has set a new benchmark for reliability and comprehensive assessment.
Extended Detection Window in Orient, OH
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window, capturing drug use over up to 90 days. This feature gives employers in Orient, OH, a thorough understanding of a candidate's or employee's past substance use, assisting in informed decision-making and policy adherence.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Orient, OH
The reliability of hair follicle tests in Orient, OH, stems from their resistance to tampering. This method minimizes opportunities for adulteration, ensuring integrity and trust in the results. Employers and professionals can rely on these tests for consistent and truthful outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Orient, OH
With numerous testing centers spread nationwide, including in Orient, OH, easy access to testing services is guaranteed. The broad network ensures that individuals and organizations benefit from quick and hassle-free testing solutions, meeting their unique requirements effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Orient, OH
In Orient, OH, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering the test through to sample collection and receiving results, the entire procedure assures confidentiality and ease, addressing privacy concerns comfortably.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Orient, OH
Competitive pricing and expedited result delivery characterize hair follicle testing in Orient, OH. The balance of affordability and prompt turnaround times ensures excellent value, making it an attractive option for organizations of diverse scales.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Orient, OH
Hair follicle testing in Orient, OH stands out for its precision and swiftness. This method accurately detects substance usage due to its advanced analytical processes. Compared to other testing methods, hair tests offer superior accuracy, making them a preferred choice for timely and trusted results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Orient, OH
Implementing hair follicle drug testing helps employers in Orient, OH, maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces the legal implications associated with non-compliance, fosters a safe work environment, and provides business leaders peace of mind.
