Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug consumption over an approximately 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to provide 150mg. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair are meant specifically for scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples that yield presumptive positives during Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positives in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction stage. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo a wash before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
The Superiority of Hair Testing over Urine Tests
Springdale, OH, sees the benefits of hair follicle drug testing rise above traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, providing a more reliable method for assessing long-term substance use, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection window and can be more easily manipulated.
Comprehensive Detection Over Time
Springdale, OH, benefits from hair follicle testing’s extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain insight into an individual's substance history, far beyond what urine tests can provide. It’s a standout feature for assessing long-term patterns.
Reducing the Risk of Test Tampering
Hair follicle testing in Springdale, OH, offers a tamper-resistant method for drug testing. The nature of hair collection ensures minimal possibility for sample adulteration or cheating, providing reliable results that stakeholders can trust.
Convenient Testing Access Across Locations
Accredited Drug Testing provides extensive access for hair follicle testing across Springdale, OH, and nationwide. This convenience allows for quick and effortless scheduling, aligning with the needs of busy individuals and companies alike.
Streamlined and Secure Testing Process
In Springdale, OH, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and getting results are user-friendly processes, ensuring privacy is respected every step of the way.
Value-Driven Pricing and Quick Results
Our hair follicle testing services in Springdale, OH, are competitively priced. Clients receive quick turnaround times and exceptional value, making our services accessible and efficient for businesses of varying sizes.
Speed and Precision in Hair Follicle Testing
In Springdale, OH, hair follicle drug tests offer accurate and prompt results. With advanced technology, these tests can detect substance use with a high degree of accuracy, making them ideal for those needing reliable answers quickly. The precision of hair testing ensures that results are dependable.
Assuring Compliance with Peace of Mind
Employers in Springdale, OH, can rest assured with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Lowering legal risks while enhancing site safety is paramount, and this testing method fits seamlessly into these protocols.
