Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent mechanism for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. A person's hair retains a record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its strands. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. The procedure for hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil width) collected near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, providing the ideal quantity for analysis and result confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels greater than 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent mass of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair references only scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug testing process encompasses four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially processed into a lab's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening need further confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves drug extraction from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods such as urine or oral fluid, highlighting hair drug analysis as a challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques verify positive screening outcomes. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Overpeck, OH, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection capabilities. This method provides unmatched accuracy and reliability, effectively identifying drug usage long after consumption. Hair testing's ability to detect drugs over a prolonged period elevates its preference over traditional urine testing, ensuring stricter compliance with drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Overpeck, OH offers an extended detection window, capable of identifying substance use up to 90 days. This wide window gives employers a comprehensive understanding of a person's drug history, valuable in vetting applicants or monitoring employees. Such a detection range aids in maintaining a transparent and secure work environment.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Overpeck, OH greatly reduces risks of sample adulteration. This method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, offering a high level of integrity. Tamper-resistant properties provide peace of mind to employers, making hair testing a preferred choice for trustworthy drug screening.
With convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Overpeck, OH, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Our widespread network ensures quick and easy testing processes, accommodating busy schedules and immediate needs. This accessibility makes it simple for individuals and employers to conduct essential drug screenings.
The hair follicle testing process in Overpeck, OH is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results is streamlined, ensuring user privacy. This simple and confidential process alleviates concerns around privacy, delivering effective and private results essential for personal and professional purposes.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Overpeck, OH ensures fast turnaround times, providing excellent value. Affordability and efficiency make this testing option attractive to companies of all sizes. This balance of cost-effectiveness and swift processing grants businesses tactical advantages while maintaining budget-conscious practices.
Fast, accurate, and reliable results make hair follicle drug testing in Overpeck, OH stand out. The process is highly precise and ensures efficient substance use detection. Precision and speed are key advantages, offering a trustworthy assessment of an individual's drug use. These tests swiftly confirm substance use, aiding decision-making for employers and authorities alike.
Employers in Overpeck, OH benefit from hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free policies. It minimizes legal risks while boosting workplace safety. This testing method grants employers peace of mind by reinforcing a commitment to maintaining a drug-free work environment, essential for business integrity and employee well-being.
