Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assays have emerged as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands capture long-term histories of substances by embedding biomarkers within their fibers as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, such hair offers an approximate 3-month window for identifying drugs and alcohol. Collection is straightforward, tampering is difficult, and shipping is convenient.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp will total 100mg, which is an optimal quantity for both screening and validation. For EtG, extra tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's best to have 150mg of hair. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. Scalp hair pertains to hair on the head only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Overview of the Process
The laboratory procedure for a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the starting phase where a sample is first processed within a lab's framework. It verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry absent in an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for potential drug misuse. While this is an economical approach to eliminate drug use across many samples, a positive screen needs verification to be valid in legal contexts. Presumptive positive samples during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is a challenging methodology.
The validation of any positive screening output is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation norms.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparison Between Hair and Urine Testing
In Portage, OH, hair follicle tests stand out by surpassing traditional urine tests in superiority. The accuracy and dependability of hair testing are unmatched, evolving as the preferred choice for employers and agencies. With extended detection capabilities, these tests offer a more comprehensive overview, highlighting their advantages over conventional urine testing.
Longer Detection Periods in Portage, OH
The ability to trace drug use over an extended timespan up to 90 days is a standout feature of hair follicle testing. In Portage, OH, employers leverage this attribute for a deeper understanding of an individual's substance use history, providing a thorough retrospective view that significantly aids in making informed decisions.
Secured Testing Against Adulteration in Portage, OH
Hair follicle testing is acclaimed for its robust resistance to tampering, dramatically lowering the risk of sample manipulation. In Portage, OH, this method guarantees reliable and indisputable results, fostering greater confidence in the testing process and ensuring the integrity of the outcome.
Accessible Testing Centers in Portage, OH
Convenience is key with nationwide and local testing facilities available in Portage, OH. These centers offer quick, simple access to testing services, making the experience hassle-free. This nationwide network ensures that individuals and organizations can effortlessly meet their testing needs.
Simplified and Private Process in Portage, OH
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private, addressing both ease-of-use and confidentiality concerns. In Portage, OH, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results is streamlined, guaranteeing ease and peace of mind for all participants.
Competitive Prices with Swift Results in Portage, OH
Offering an advantageous balance of cost and efficiency, hair follicle testing provides significant value for businesses in Portage, OH. With budget-friendly pricing and rapid turnaround times, companies can rely on these tests for prompt and economical solutions.
Efficient and Precise in Portage, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are praised for their accuracy and rapid results. This method thoroughly detects substance use, offering a reliable approach for assessment. In Portage, OH, these tests provide unparalleled precision coupled with swift processing, making them an optimal choice for individuals and organizations requiring trustworthy results.
Ensuring Compliance and Assurance for Employers
In Portage, OH, adopting hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free policies. By minimizing legal concerns and elevating workplace safety, these tests offer peace of mind, ensuring that their workplaces operate smoothly without compromising on standards or security.
