Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a strong method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair strands can capture biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, offering an extended trace of alcohol or drug presence. Hair close to the scalp can reflect drug and alcohol intake over about three months. Its collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easy for transportation.
A specimen of 1.5-inch, which consists of around 200 strands similar to a #2 pencil's thickness, will approximate 100mg, the perfect amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, test add-ons, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample size is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen accurately is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair is an alternative. When we mention head hair, we solely mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four essential steps in the lab processing of a drug screening result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a specimen into a lab's database. This process verifies the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and complements any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary inspection for drug traces. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to stand in court. Any samples flagged as presumptive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is drawn from the initial batch to prepare for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is highly challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples marked as presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Perrysburg, OH
Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Its ability to identify drug use over extended periods makes it a reliable tool for employers seeking to enforce strict no-drug policies.
The advantages of hair testing include its nearly cheat-proof nature and longer detection periods. These features make it more dependable than urine tests, especially for long-term substance monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Perrysburg, OH
Hair follicle testing offers a far-reaching detection window, often up to 90 days, giving employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance use history.
This longer detection period provides companies with comprehensive insights, enabling informed decisions about employees or candidates based on their substance history over an extended timeframe.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Perrysburg, OH
Hair follicle tests are robust against tampering attempts, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration and ensuring reliable, unquestionable results.
Through its design, hair testing offers a nearly cheat-proof methodology, providing organizations assurance and confidence in the authenticity and accuracy of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Perrysburg, OH
Our network of testing centers spans nationwide, offering convenient, accessible services for all your testing needs. This ensures seamless access for individuals and companies alike.
With multiple locations, getting tested is quick and easy, enabling hassle-free experiences and fast turnaround times for all customers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Perrysburg, OH
We prioritize an easy and confidential approach to hair follicle testing, guaranteeing user privacy from order to results.
Our straightforward process alleviates privacy concerns, delivering a user-friendly experience from start to finish, ensuring satisfaction and discretion for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Perrysburg, OH
Competitive pricing coupled with swift turnaround times provides excellent value to companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
Our efficient processes ensure that clients receive timely results, offering peace of mind with our committed, high-quality service at budget-friendly rates.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Perrysburg, OH
Hair follicle testing stands out with its swift and precise detection of substance use. Its accuracy ensures dependable results, making it the preferred choice for those seeking certainty in drug testing.
Our tests are designed to uncover past substance use with remarkable accuracy. This reliability is essential for decision-makers who need to trust the outcomes of their drug testing protocols.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Perrysburg, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal concerns and boosting overall safety and compliance.
By aligning with rigorous testing standards, employers can foster a safer work environment while reducing the risks associated with workplace substance use.
