Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shadyside, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive historical record of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. By collecting hair close to the scalp, the detection window for alcohol and drugs can extend to nearly a 3-month period. This method of collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.

Collecting a 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp amounts to 100mg, ideal for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG and extended panels beyond 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is best to determine the specimen's weight using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inadequate, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an acceptable alternative. In the context of head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The workflow for processing a drug test result in the lab typically comprises four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the sample's initial entry into the laboratory's system. This step includes affirming the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and recording additional data not captured electronically by a chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary and rapid assessment of potential drug abuse. While this phase is efficient for discounting drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. All samples preliminarily flagged as positive during screening must undergo further verification.

Should the screening suggest a positive, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. This process involves deriving drugs from hair at concentrations noticeably lower compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is notably challenging.

To confirm a positive screening outcome, procedures like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire procedure is scrutinized in accordance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which detect more recent use.
• Test integrity: The likelihood of manipulating a hair drug test is low, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Trends of consumption: Results can trace a timeline of drug use over several months rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent drug intake: Drugs become traceable in hair only after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier than other drug tests.
• Result inconsistency: Drug metabolite concentrations in hair can be influenced by factors like hair color and individual growth rates.

Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine testing in Shadyside, OH. Providing a more comprehensive detection capability, these tests reveal drug use patterns over an extended period.

The reliability and accuracy of hair tests surpass urine tests, through advanced screening processes that minimize errors, offering peace of mind for both employers and individuals.

Extended Detection Window

In Shadyside, OH, hair testing's capacity to track drug use over as long as 90 days is invaluable. This extended detection window provides a thorough insight into substance use habits.

Employers benefit from this enhanced detection period, gaining a broader understanding of an applicant’s or employee's drug history, essential for informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Shadyside, OH, are a robust solution against sample tampering. Their design significantly diminishes the chances of sample alteration, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.

The integrity of hair tests makes them a favored choice for professionals seeking error-free and conclusive results, closing avenues for testing fraud.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing boasts numerous locations nationwide, including outlets in Shadyside, OH, providing easy access to testing services.

The widespread availability of our centers means a hassle-free experience for clients needing immediate and convenient testing locations, minimizing travel and wait times.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for obtaining hair follicle test results in Shadyside, OH, is straightforward, confidential, and user-friendly. The concern for privacy is paramount.

From order to results, every step is streamlined to protect user information, ensuring personal data is handled with care and integrity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing paired with rapid service makes our hair follicle tests appealing in Shadyside, OH. We provide competitive rates.

Our efficient turnaround times ensure companies receive high value and swift results, supporting decision-making without compromising financial resources.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Shadyside, OH, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swift results. They excel in pinpointing substance use with unmatched accuracy, setting a high standard in substance detection.

Offering a quicker turnaround time compared to traditional methods, these tests ensure that employers receive critical information without delay, aiding in prompt decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Shadyside, OH, find hair follicle testing essential for adherence to drug-free workplace guidelines. These tests reduce legal liabilities.

Maintaining a secure and productive workplace becomes easier, with hair follicle testing supporting a comprehensive compliance strategy, ensuring peace of mind and heightened safety standards.

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