Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for uncovering the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month period of alcohol and drug presence. Hair is easy to gather, fairly resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately matching a #2 pencil in width) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, body hair in a similar quantity may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair; "body hair" encompasses all other hair types such as facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a lab involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially logged into the lab’s system. This step confirms the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not provided by an electronic custody chain.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drugs. Although it provides an economical way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to hold up in legal settings. Samples that test positive during Screening need additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves removing drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screening occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The full lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test assesses the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Tuscarawas, OH, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests. Its superior accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers a broader detection window, revealing substance use history that urine tests could easily miss. Employers and legal practitioners increasingly favor this method for its consistency in results.
Employers in Tuscarawas, OH benefit from the extensive detection window that hair follicle tests offer. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests provide a comprehensive overview of a candidate's or employee's substance history, far surpassing the capabilities of shorter-term urine tests.
In Tuscarawas, OH, hair follicle testing serves as a secure method that minimizes the chances of sample tampering. Ensuring trustworthy outcomes, this testing process stands out as it provides results that are dependable and resistant to manipulation, unlike more vulnerable methods.
Our nationwide center network in Tuscarawas, OH enables easy and quick access to hair testing services. With the convenience of local testing sites, individuals can undergo testing without unnecessary delays, providing a seamless experience for all concerned.
The hair follicle testing process in Tuscarawas, OH is straightforward and confidential. From test ordering to result retrieval, privacy and simplicity are prioritized. This ensures that personal information is secure and users can efficiently participate without complications.
With competitive pricing options and rapid results, hair follicle testing in Tuscarawas, OH is a cost-effective solution. Our services are designed to cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring affordability and quick turnaround, thus offering substantial value.
The reliability and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Tuscarawas, OH are unmatched. With hair tests, results are precise and swift, ensuring that substance use is accurately detected over an extended period. This method significantly enhances testing accuracy and facilitates timely responses.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Tuscarawas, OH leads to enhanced workplace compliance and safety. It gives employers peace of mind by supporting drug-free policies and reducing legal liabilities. This helps in maintaining a secure work environment and protecting the company's integrity.
