Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and various substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil), and closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is deemed optimal for both initial testing and subsequent validation. For analyses involving EtG, additional services, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. It is suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. The term "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
Processing a drug test result within the laboratory entails four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the preliminary phase where a sample is introduced into the laboratory system. This stage involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other necessary data entry not included in an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug presence in the majority of samples, any samples with a non-negative screen must be validated for court acceptance. Samples identified as potentially positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If the Screening phase suggests a non-negative result, extra hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Validation of any non-negative screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as potentially positive are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Peninsula, OH outshines traditional urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests boast a longer detection window and diminish the likelihood of tampering. This greatly benefits employers and legal entities in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers a longer-term detection period, ensuring past drug use is identified. This superior detection capability, alongside its tamper-resistant nature, makes hair testing a preferred choice among those serious about substance control.
In Peninsula, OH, hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days back. This provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
This lengthy detection window is a distinguishing feature of hair follicle testing, offering a more thorough history of drug use than other methods. Such prolonged detection is critical for businesses aiming for comprehensive substance use insight.
In Peninsula, OH, hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Its tamper-resistant qualities ensure reliable and unquestionable results, critical when accurate detection is crucial.
The method's robustness comes from its collection process, which makes it much harder for individuals to affect the results fraudulently. This quality guarantees trustworthy outcomes, protecting stakeholders from dubious testing results.
In Peninsula, OH, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to testing through numerous nationwide centers. Our locations provide quick and hassle-free services, allowing clients to conduct necessary tests easily.
Local testing centers make it simple to undergo hair follicle testing without disrupting daily commitments. This accessibility means individuals and organizations can rely on prompt and effective testing procedures wherever they are located.
The hair follicle testing process in Peninsula, OH is marked by simplicity and confidentiality. Our easy steps guide individuals from ordering to receiving results with assurances of privacy and confidentiality throughout.
This straightforward approach respects user privacy, alleviating concerns about the process. Thus, participants can engage with testing services assured of their information's protection, making drug testing smoother and more accessible.
In Peninsula, OH, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing, ensuring clients receive excellent value for their investment.
We strive to provide affordable and efficient services, appealing to businesses of varying sizes. Our quick result processing adds value by minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity and peace of mind for those seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
In Peninsula, OH, hair follicle drug testing is noted for offering fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are highly precise in detecting substance use, providing more robust and trustworthy outcomes. This level of accuracy ensures that individuals are correctly assessed, facilitating informed decision-making.
The speed of hair follicle testing does not compromise its accuracy. Rather, the test efficiently delivers results, making it an excellent choice for urgent situations. This combination of rapidity and precision makes it an invaluable tool where substance verification is essential.
Hair follicle testing provides peace of mind for employers in Peninsula, OH, ensuring workplace drug-free compliance. This assurance reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, establishing trust among team members about their working environment.
By adopting hair follicle testing as part of their workplace policy, employers demonstrate a strong stance against substance use, safeguarding their organization from potential liabilities and fostering a culture of safety and integrity.
