Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant mechanism for detecting substances such as drugs and alcohol. Hair holds a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for substances like alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and uncomplicated to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary assessments, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair not be an option, an equal volume of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, this specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair applies to all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps within the laboratory procedure of a drug test analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial cursory assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides an affordable strategy for eliminating drug use on most samples, a positive indication necessitates confirmation to be allowed in legal proceedings. Any samples preliminarily marked as positive in Screening mandatorily undergo confirmatory analysis.
Should a sample yield a preliminary positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in Extraction. This phase involves withdrawing drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any Screening positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", in truth, the test examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Parkertown, OH highlights a significant edge over traditional urine tests. While urine samples often miss substance use detected after several days, hair tests provide a panoramic view over the past 90 days. This extended detection capability helps administrators catch repeat drug use, granting a more in-depth insight into a person's behavior and offering unmatched accuracy and consistency in results.
Employers in Parkertown, OH looking for complete substance use analysis benefit significantly from hair follicle testing. This method examines drug usage over an extensive duration, extending up to 90 days. By granting insight into an individual’s long-term substance habits, employers are equipped with the information needed to evaluate an applicant or employee's past conduct thoroughly, ensuring only the most qualified candidates progress.
One of the standout features of hair follicle tests in Parkertown, OH is their resilience against tampering. Because of the nature of hair growth and the observation process used during sampling, the chance of sample deceit is greatly minimized. This ensures that the results remain reliable and undisputed, providing employers and professionals confidence in the integrity of the test outcomes.
Our extensive network of testing facilities across the nation, coupled with local access in Parkertown, OH, ensures hassle-free and timely testing services. These strategically placed centers make it easy to schedule and undergo testing without lengthy commutes, fulfilling the needs of individuals and businesses alike with utmost efficiency and convenience.
The hair follicle testing process in Parkertown, OH is engineered for simplicity and privacy. From placing an order to completing the test and receiving results, each step is streamlined to address privacy concerns delicately. This straightforward approach guarantees a smooth experience, alleviating potential apprehensions regarding confidentiality and usability.
Parkertown, OH residents and businesses benefit from competitive pricing and swift results with hair follicle testing. Our cost-effective rates combined with rapid result delivery provide great value, accommodating companies and individuals across various sizes and scopes without compromising on quality or speed of service.
In Parkertown, OH, hair follicle testing is renowned for its quick, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. The advanced science behind hair analysis permits early detection of substance use, making it far superior in accuracy compared to traditional methods. These tests can be processed rapidly, ensuring that results are not only credible but also punctual, crucial for timely decision-making in various professional and legal contexts.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Parkertown, OH is a strategic decision for employers aiming to comply with drug-free workplace mandates. By utilizing this testing method, employers can enforce company policies with certainty, minimize potential legal disputes, and foster a safe working environment. This ultimately supports both organizational integrity and the wellbeing of staff and clientele.
