Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has become a key method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a reliable historical record of substance use, capturing biomarkers in the strands as hair grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil in size), closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, or for tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and processing any extra data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result in a screen must be confirmed for court acceptability. Any samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are removed from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to perform.
Positive Screening results are corroborated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Stony Ridge, OH, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its reliability and extended detection window. Hair tests deliver a broader insight into an individual's substance use over time. This method outshines traditional urine tests, especially with its capacity to detect drug use over 90 days, providing employers a reliable assessment tool.
The hair follicle test's most significant advantage in Stony Ridge, OH, is its extended detection window. It allows employers to review a person's substance use over three months. Offering a comprehensive evaluation, this approach is invaluable for hiring processes and keeping workplaces drug-free.
Hair follicle tests in Stony Ridge, OH, stand as a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly reducing the chances of adulteration. This ensures that results remain trustworthy and reliable, removing any doubt of manipulation. The robustness of this testing method protects the integrity of results.
Convenience is a key benefit with our nationwide and local testing centers in Stony Ridge, OH. Being easily accessible, these locations ensure prompt and hassle-free services. Whether you're in a metropolitan area or a local setting, our wide reach guarantees accessibility to testing services for all clients.
In Stony Ridge, OH, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and kept confidential. We prioritize user privacy, ensuring that each step, from sampling to the delivery of results, addresses concerns of discretion and usability, making it an effortless experience.
Our services in Stony Ridge, OH, offer competitive pricing coupled with a swift turnaround, providing excellent value for businesses of any size. This balance of affordability and speedy results ensures that companies receive dependable testing without surpassing budget limitations.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Stony Ridge, OH, offer substantial advantages. These tests are known for their high accuracy in detecting substance use within a short waiting period, making them a superior choice for those seeking reliable results. Their capacity to pinpoint drug use efficiently retains a significant trust among users looking for quick yet precise outcomes.
Deploying hair follicle testing in Stony Ridge, OH, provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. This method supports strict adherence to workplace drug policies, reducing potential legal concerns. Employers value these tests for enhancing safety and maintaining regulatory standards within a workplace.
