Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective resource for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure by integrating biomarkers into the structure of growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, it offers an approximate three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, hard to modify, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels above ten, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures of a drug test entail four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift evaluation for substances of abuse. While cost-effective, Screening helps dismiss drug usage for most samples; however, a positive result necessitates confirmation to hold in legal proceedings. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample demonstrate presumptively positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positivity are washed as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Zanesville, OH
Hair testing provides a superior alternative to urine tests, thanks to its unmatched accuracy and reliability. This method excels in detecting substance use with an extensive history, outperforming traditional tests in delivering comprehensive and trustworthy results. Its precision makes it the preferred choice for agencies seeking effective solutions.
Extended Detection Window in South Zanesville, OH
Offering a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing ensures comprehensive reviews of an individual’s substance history. Employers gain insights into long-term use patterns, making it a valuable tool in assessing candidates or employees. This far-reaching capability sets it apart from shorter-term tests, enhancing its utility.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Zanesville, OH
Hair follicle tests are robust against manipulation, significantly reducing sample tampering risks. This integrity assurance guarantees reliable, unquestionable results, fostering confidence in the accuracy of substance use assessments. Organizations can trust this secure testing method to safeguard their evaluation processes effectively.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Zanesville, OH
Our expansive network of testing centers provides easy access to services, ensuring quick and hassle-free testing experience. Both locally and nationally, this convenience allows timely and efficient service, making reliable assessments accessible to all, without unnecessary delays or complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Zanesville, OH
The process, from ordering to result delivery, is straightforward and private. Emphasizing confidentiality, it alleviates concerns about sensitive data handling. The hassle-free nature simplifies the experience, ensuring ease of use and reinforcing trust in testing's secure, confidential delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Zanesville, OH
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery provide excellent value for any organization. By balancing cost-effectiveness and promptness, businesses of all sizes can achieve peace of mind with reliable testing, benefiting from affordable solutions that do not compromise on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Zanesville, OH
Hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled precision and speed. Enhanced accuracy ensures substance use detection with minimal error margin. Results are delivered swiftly, enabling informed decision-making. This method surpasses traditional tests, providing high reliability and contributing to more effective outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Zanesville, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies. By mitigating legal risks and bolstering safety, it delivers peace of mind. Organizations benefit from a compliant, secure environment, achieved through reliable detection of substance use, integral to maintaining a drug-free workplace condition.
