Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive timeline of usage. Hair retains biomarkers of substances within its fibers over time, providing a detection period of up to nearly three months when sampled near the scalp. The collection of hair is straightforward, resisting tampering and easy to send off for testing.
A specimen consisting of a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 strands (approximately a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp provides a sufficient 100mg of hair necessary for both screening and validation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and panels beyond ten, a larger 150mg portion is advisable. We suggest verifying the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should head hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening performs a brisk preliminary evaluation for drug presence. While it efficiently excludes drug usage for most samples, any positive result detected requires confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Presumptively positive results during Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should Screening indicate a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Before confirmation, all samples indicating presumptive positives undergo necessary washing. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently labeled "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis centers on the strand of hair rather than the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Richmond Dale, OH
Hair follicle testing offers an edge with its superior detection capabilities over traditional urine tests, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Richmond Dale, OH
Hair follicle tests offer a detection window of up to 90 days, providing a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Richmond Dale, OH
Hair follicle tests deliver robust results by minimizing sample tampering risks, leading to credible and unquestionable findings.
Convenient Testing Locations in Richmond Dale, OH
Benefit from our extensive network of testing centers, ensuring prompt and accessible services, whether locally or nationwide.
Simple and Confidential Process in Richmond Dale, OH
Our process is designed to be straightforward and private, ensuring ease for individuals undergoing testing while addressing privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing with Rapid Turnaround in Richmond Dale, OH
Attractive pricing and quick result delivery are the hallmarks of our service, providing excellent value.
Fast and Reliable Testing in Richmond Dale, OH
Our hair follicle drug tests promise rapid and precise results. These tests excel in accurately identifying substance use, presenting a reliable option for thorough analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind in Richmond Dale, OH
Employers using hair follicle tests experience confidence through adherence to drug-free workplace standards, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety.
