Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis stands out as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. It offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the expanding hair strand fibers. When samples are collected near the scalp, hair can potentially reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen volume of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp is not accessible, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the initial step of incorporating a sample into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided electronically by a chain of custody system.
Screening essentially is a preliminary assessment for drug substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Drugs are withdrawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations here compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any affirmative screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Robertsville, OH, presents numerous benefits over urine-based tests. Enhanced detection accuracy and reliability stand as primary advantages, capturing a wider window of drug use. Unlike urine tests, which offer a brief detection period, hair testing yields insights into drug consumption habits over months, ensuring employers receive a comprehensive analysis devoid of manipulation risks.
Employers in Robertsville, OH, benefit from the extended detection window that hair follicle testing provides. Unlike urine tests, this method reveals drug use spanning up to 90 days. Such a comprehensive history offers a more accurate portrayal of long-term substance use, aiding in informed hiring and retention decisions, thereby fostering a safer workplace environment.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Robertsville, OH, offers a reliable solution against sample adulteration. By employing a method that is challenging to manipulate, these tests ensure that the results remain legitimate and credible. This level of integrity supports the pursuit of an authentic assessment of an individual's substance use history.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Robertsville, OH, Accredited Drug Testing ensures widespread access to its services. These strategically placed centers offer rapid and hassle-free testing for all clients, allowing for smooth and swift testing processes anytime, anywhere.
Accredited Drug Testing in Robertsville, OH offers a simple, confidential process for drug testing. From ordering to completion and result delivery, each step is designed to protect privacy while being user-friendly. Clients can manage their testing needs seamlessly, with the assurance that their confidential information is secure.
In Robertsville, OH, clients appreciate our affordable pricing for hair follicle testing coupled with fast turnaround times. These competitive rates enable companies of all sizes to implement cost-effective testing strategies without compromising on quality, ensuring that workplaces remain drug-free and secure.
In Robertsville, OH, hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their speed and accuracy. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis provides quick results with high precision, detecting even minimal substance use. This ensures timely and reliable data for decision-makers, enhancing the ability to monitor and enforce drug-free policies effectively.
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in Robertsville, OH, can achieve compliance and peace of mind. This testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure. Consequently, organizations can maintain a secure and healthy environment while confidently managing employee safety and productivity.
