Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates long-term evidence of alcohol and other drug usage by incorporating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected directly adjacent to the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection capability for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) are collectively referred to as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system, which includes ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for drug abuse. Though cost-efficient for eliminating drug consumption in most samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pulaski, OH
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection compared to urine tests, providing a reliable and comprehensive view of substance use.
Unlike urine testing, hair tests trace drug use back up to 90 days, offering a much wider detection window.
This longer detection period means hair testing can reveal patterns of drug use that urine tests may miss, providing crucial insights.
For employers in Pulaski, OH, relying on hair tests can ensure a safe and drug-free environment more effectively than urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Pulaski, OH
With hair follicle testing, employers enjoy an expansive detection window of up to 90 days, offering a clear view of an individual's substance use history.
This prolonged timeframe surpasses that of other testing methods, providing reliable insight for more accurate decision-making.
In Pulaski, OH, this method is invaluable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an employee's drug use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pulaski, OH
Hair follicle tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, virtually eliminating the chances of sample adulteration.
In Pulaski, OH, this quality is crucial for ensuring tests remain reliable and results are indisputable.
This reduction in tampering provides employers with confidence in the integrity of the test results, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pulaski, OH
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that our services remain accessible and convenient across the country.
In Pulaski, OH, local options for testing expedite the process, making it easy and hassle-free for individuals and employers alike.
This convenience means less time and effort spent on logistics, allowing quicker completion of necessary testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pulaski, OH
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward, ensuring confidentiality every step of the way.
In Pulaski, OH, this ensures privacy while maintaining user-friendliness, alleviating concerns over personal information security.
This ease of use means individuals and businesses can focus on what truly matters without being bogged down by a cumbersome procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pulaski, OH
We provide competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring unbeatable value for businesses of all sizes.
Alongside affordable rates, fast turnaround times mean that you receive results promptly, minimizing waiting periods.
In Pulaski, OH, this combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency reinforces trust in our services, catering to diverse organizational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pulaski, OH
Hair follicle drug tests provide speedy, precise, and dependable results. In Pulaski, OH, these tests are praised for their high accuracy in identifying substance use.
The method allows for swift completion, ensuring that results are both rapid and reliable, offering peace of mind for individuals and organizations alike.
This inherent accuracy ensures that substance use is correctly identified, enhancing trust in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pulaski, OH
Hair follicle tests assure both compliance with workplace drug-free policies and peace of mind for employers.
Using hair tests can help reduce legal risks, ensuring safer working conditions.
For companies in Pulaski, OH, this testing method supports maintaining adherence to regulations, fostering a safe and productive work environment.
