Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has gained prominence. Hair can encase markers of alcohol and other substances within the fibers along the forming hair strand, offering an extensive summary of past usage. When gathered near the scalp, hair samples can reflect a detection timespan of roughly up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and can be transported with ease.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the recommended amount for screening and subsequent validation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or exceeding 10-panel testing, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be lacking, a similar quantity of body hair may substitute. Notably, references to head hair exclusively imply scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all alternative hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure of analyzing a drug test result is comprised of four core phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s infrastructure. This stage entails affirming the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, furnishing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), alongside completing any extra data logging not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial swift assessment for substances subject to misuse. As a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands validation to stand legal scrutiny. Samples showing presumptive positive results during screening require subsequent confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are pulled from hair with markedly lesser concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), indicating the greater complexity inherent in hair drug screening.
A positive screening outcome undergoes verification using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes necessary washes prior to confirmation. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair codes and following accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp
Orwell, OH sees hair follicle testing as a superior method to urine testing. Hair tests boast enhanced detection accuracy, reliably identifying substances over extended periods. Compared to urine tests, they offer a longer history of substance use, making them a preferred choice for thorough evaluations.
For employers in Orwell, OH, hair follicle testing's extended detection window of up to 90 days provides a detailed overview of an individual's substance history. This expanded timeline enables employers to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
Hair follicle tests in Orwell, OH significantly minimize tampering risks. The tamper-resistant method ensures the integrity of the sample, delivering reliable and dependable results that cannot be easily manipulated, thus enhancing the credibility of the drug testing process.
Accessible in Orwell, OH, our nationwide testing centers offer convenience for hair follicle testing. Local facilities ensure easy access to testing services, making the process swift and convenient for those in need of reliable drug testing solutions.
In Orwell, OH, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns clients may have about their testing journey.
Our hair follicle testing in Orwell, OH offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. These cost-effective solutions provide excellent value, delivering peace of mind for businesses of all sizes without compromising on quality and promptness.
In Orwell, OH, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests excel in identifying substance use with precision, offering higher accuracy than traditional methods. Their efficiency and reliability make them an ideal choice for those seeking dependable drug testing results.
For Orwell, OH employers, implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces legal liabilities and promotes a safer working environment, offering peace of mind for businesses committed to maintaining a drug-free setting.
