Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, extensions, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. References to head hair denote scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Synopsis
The four primary stages in processing a drug test in the lab encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Notice: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment itself evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Richmond, OH, the benefits of hair follicle testing over urine tests are compelling. Hair testing offers advanced detection accuracy and reliability, capable of revealing substance use patterns undetectable by urine tests.
Hair tests cover a broader detection window, reducing the chances of false negatives and ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug usage history.
Hair follicle testing in Richmond, OH, provides an extensive detection window, capable of revealing drug use over the past 90 days. This expanded timeframe grants employers valuable insight into the long-term substance habits of employees or applicants, fostering informed decision-making.
By offering a longer view of drug use, hair tests help employers understand consistent patterns rather than isolated incidents.
Richmond, OH, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing, which substantially lowers the risk of sample adulteration. Hair samples are hard to manipulate, providing reliable and unquestionable results.
This testing method ensures that employers receive genuine results, fostering trust in the drug screening process and maintaining company integrity.
With our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Richmond, OH, accessing drug testing services is convenient and straightforward. These strategically placed centers ensure prompt and hassle-free testing, minimizing the time and effort required for individuals and organizations alike.
This accessibility guarantees a seamless process for all clients, making drug testing a part of the routine rather than an obstacle.
The process of hair follicle testing in Richmond, OH, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy and ease in mind, ensuring that client concerns are addressed.
By prioritizing simplicity and confidentiality, the process becomes smooth and stress-free for all involved, allowing individuals and organizations to focus on outcomes.
In Richmond, OH, hair follicle testing is competitively priced, offering affordable solutions for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with quick turnaround times, this testing option provides exceptional value without sacrificing quality.
Organizations benefit from our cost-effective pricing structure, gaining peace of mind alongside prompt and accurate drug testing results.
Hair follicle drug tests in Richmond, OH, are renowned for their speed and precision, offering unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. This method enables quick turnaround times without compromising the reliability of results, ensuring individuals and organizations receive trustworthy outcomes swiftly.
With the capability to precisely detect a wide range of substances, hair follicle testing stands as a dependable choice for accurate drug screening.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Richmond, OH, offers employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. This testing method aligns with regulations, offering peace of mind and a sound basis for enforcing a substance-free environment.
Employers can confidently uphold their zero-tolerance policies, knowing that the testing process supports regulatory compliance.