Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, it can provide around a three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. This method is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands (the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount from body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
Four key steps are part of processing a drug test outcome in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is logged into a laboratory’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing necessary data entry omissions from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial quick check for drugs of abuse. Although it is cost-effective and rules out drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome in Screening must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for Extraction. During this process, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result takes place using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests in Quaker City, OH?
Hair follicle tests offer numerous advantages over the standard urine tests. With a longer detection window and superior reliability, they provide a more accurate understanding of substance use, making them the preferred choice for employers and legal professionals with stringent screening requirements.
Long-Term Drug Use Detection in Quaker City, OH
Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to track substance use over an extended duration. Able to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a broader view into an applicant or employee's history of substance indulgence, making it an indispensable tool in thorough background checks.
Enhanced Security Against Sample Tampering in Quaker City, OH
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring the integrity of results. The nature of the sample collection offers little opportunity for adulteration, establishing hair tests as a trusted and unquestionable method for reliable drug screening.
Accessible Nationwide and Local Testing in Quaker City, OH
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Quaker City, ensures easy access to services. With convenient locations, testing becomes a streamlined and straightforward procedure, guaranteeing hassle-free participation for every client.
Streamlined and Confidential Testing Process in Quaker City, OH
Our hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and privacy, ensuring that ordering, testing, and result acquisition are confidential and user-friendly. Concerns about privacy are mitigated, offering peace of mind during every step of the testing process.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Results in Quaker City, OH
Our hair follicle drug tests boast competitive pricing coupled with rapid turnaround times. This makes it an effective and economical choice for businesses of all sizes, providing substantial savings without compromising speed and reliability.
Speed and Accuracy in Quaker City, OH
Hair follicle drug testing is fast and reliable, providing high precision in identifying substance use. Its meticulous detection capability ensures that employers and individuals receive consistent and dependable results quickly, surpassing traditional urine tests in both speed and trustworthiness.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety Through Hair Testing in Quaker City, OH
Employers can rely on hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks and promoting a safe work environment, hair tests offer peace of mind and contribute to the overall safety and effectiveness of businesses in the community.
