Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels greater than 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in processing a drug test result in a lab are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing information absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial, rapid assessment for substances. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug consumption in most cases, court-admissible results require confirmation of a positive screen. Samples flagged as positive in Screening need further verification.
Should Screening yield a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Saint Bernard, OH, hair follicle testing prevails over urine tests. This method boasts enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. The longer detection period of hair testing significantly surpasses the shorter window of traditional urine tests, providing a more comprehensive look at an individual's substance use. This allows for a more thorough and effective assessment in meeting workplace or legal standards.
Hair testing is highly regarded for its superior resistance to tampering compared to urine tests. While urine samples can be adulterated or substituted, hair samples are more robust in maintaining integrity. This makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for those aiming to ensure stringent and reliable results, particularly in settings with zero-tolerance drug use policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, up to 90 days, offers considerable advantages for employers and individuals in Saint Bernard, OH. This timeline provides a holistic view of a subject's drug use history, as opposed to the limited timeframe of traditional urine tests. Employers gain valuable insights into an applicant or employee's long-term behavior, aiding in making informed decisions.
Hair testing's capability of capturing a prolonged history of substance use helps in the evaluation of chronic drug use, providing a broader understanding of an individual's lifestyle. This information is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance in workplaces, especially in roles that demand high responsibility and trust.
Hair follicle testing in Saint Bernard, OH, is a tamper-resistant testing method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests that can be easily manipulated through the addition of chemicals or substitution, hair samples are much more challenging to adulterate, ensuring the integrity of results.
This method provides stakeholders with reliable and unquestionable results, crucial for industries and scenarios where maintaining rigorous standards is essential. By employing hair follicle testing, businesses and legal entities can trust the outcomes, significantly reducing risks associated with faulty test results.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local locations in Saint Bernard, OH, ensures hassle-free accessibility to testing services. Our extensive network allows individuals to quickly find a nearby center, making the testing process smooth and efficient.
With numerous testing centers available, clients experience minimal waiting times and benefit from seamless service. This accessibility ensures that everyone has access to necessary testing facilities, accommodating especially those with tight schedules or in urgent need of testing solutions.
The process of hair follicle testing in Saint Bernard, OH, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are streamlined to address privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. The transparent procedure enhances user experience, fostering trust in the testing process.
Our services ensure that clients can navigate the testing landscape with confidence, knowing their information is secure. This reassurance makes hair testing an appealing choice for those seeking straightforward and discreet assessment solutions, tailored to preserve user comfort and confidentiality.
Accredited Drug Testing in Saint Bernard, OH, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround, delivering excellent value for companies of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures make it cost-effective without compromising on the quality of service or result accuracy.
Rapid turnaround times ensure that companies receive results promptly, aiding in timely decision-making processes. This blend of affordability and efficiency is designed to meet the financial and operational needs of diverse workforce environments, emphasizing excellent service value.
In Saint Bernard, OH, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method ensures high precision in detecting substance use, offering assurance to employers and individuals alike. With cutting-edge technology, results are delivered swiftly, helping in quick decision-making processes without compromising on accuracy.
The accuracy of a hair follicle test outweighs traditional methods, reducing chances of false negatives or positives. This reliability is vital for sectors where precision is paramount, cementing hair follicle testing as a trusted method where results matter the most, ensuring peace of mind for all parties involved.
Employers in Saint Bernard, OH, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance and peace of mind. Utilizing this method supports the enforcement of drug-free workplace policies, aligning with legal and organizational standards. This reduces the risk of liability while enhancing workplace safety and productivity.
Hair follicle testing aids employers in taking proactive steps towards managing potential substance abuse issues, ensuring that the workforce remains healthy and efficient. Businesses can rest assured knowing they are upholding high compliance levels and maintaining a trustworthy and safe environment for all employees.
