Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a key method for tracking drug and alcohol consumption. The hair fiber captures biomarkers that reflect a prolonged usage timeline of substances. When hair is harvested near the scalp, it offers an approximate three-month period for detecting various drugs and alcohol. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For additional EtG, add-ons, or beyond 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used as an alternative. In terms of head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a specimen within the lab’s infrastructure. This step ensures the specimen was correctly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening denotes an initial, brisk examination for drugs. While it is an economical method to eliminate drug presence in most specimens, a confirmed result is mandatory for legal proceedings. Samples that are indicated to be positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In instances where Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening outcomes is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples identified as presumptively positive are cleansed as necessary. The entire analytical process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rogers, OH
Comparing traditional urine tests with hair follicle tests reveals significant advantages in detection accuracy and dependability. Hair testing boasts extended detection periods and is less susceptible to manipulation, enabling employers to enforce zero-tolerance policies with greater effectiveness.
Extended Detection Window in Rogers, OH
Hair follicle drug tests provide a thorough history of substance use, tracing back up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers employers a profound insight into the drug habits of staff or job candidates, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation than shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rogers, OH
Hair follicle testing is designed to significantly minimize the chances of adulteration. By ensuring a tamper-resistant method, this testing offers reliable and indisputable results. Employers can trust in the integrity of the process for consistently accurate outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rogers, OH
Our vast array of testing centers across the nation, including Rogers, OH, ensures easy and prompt access to testing services. This convenience enables clients to experience a streamlined and effective testing process, minimizing disruptions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rogers, OH
From test ordering to acquiring results, our process is both straightforward and private. We prioritize confidentiality, ensuring that users have a stress-free experience while maintaining their privacy throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rogers, OH
Our competitive pricing model and swift result turnaround provide companies with significant value and reassurance. Regardless of the organization size, affordable access to reliable testing is available, fostering financial and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rogers, OH
Hair follicle testing excels in precision and efficiency, offering prompt results that reliably uncover substance use. The high accuracy of this method ensures that individuals engaging in drug use do not go undetected, providing essential data for employers and legal entities to make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rogers, OH
Employing hair follicle testing assists companies in adhering to drug-free workplace guidelines, mitigating legal liabilities and bolstering workplace safety. This strategy not only secures compliance but also fosters a secure and trustworthy business environment.
