Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Vandalia, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to around three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair sample collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil width) taken nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economical for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be substantiated for legal acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

A presumptive positive result in the Screening phase leads to additional hair being extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which consequently renders hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect substance use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection window.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Offers historical data: It reveals a pattern of substance use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Often misnamed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Vandalia, OH:
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are less prone to tampering and offer a broader detection range.

The benefits of hair testing include a longer detection window and higher accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing can reveal comprehensive substance use over several months.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Vandalia, OH:
Hair follicle testing allows employers to view drug use history extending up to 90 days. This significantly longer detection window provides a comprehensive profile of an individual's substance use.

The ability to track substance use over three months gives businesses a thorough assessment, aiding in informed decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vandalia, OH:
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chances of sample adulteration, delivering reliable and unalterable results that employers can trust.

Employers can rely on hair testing for accurate and unquestionable results, reducing the risk of false negatives or tampered samples that can occur in other testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations with Local Access in Vandalia, OH:
Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Vandalia, ensuring easy access to drug testing services.

This network of testing centers provides convenience and accessibility, making the process quick and hassle-free for businesses and individuals alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Vandalia, OH:
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward, ensuring client confidentiality and privacy throughout.

Our customer-focused approach simplifies interactions, providing peace of mind regarding the privacy and effectiveness of the drug testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vandalia, OH:
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround time on hair follicle test results provide excellent value, ensuring satisfaction for businesses of any size.

The combination of affordability and speed makes hair follicle testing an attractive option for companies seeking efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Vandalia, OH, offer reliable and accurate substance use detection. These tests are known for their high level of accuracy, making them a preferred choice for those seeking trustworthy results.

Employers in Vandalia can count on fast and reliable detection with hair follicle testing, ensuring timely and accurate substance use analysis. This method's efficiency helps foster a safer workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vandalia, OH:
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, reducing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment.

Employers in Vandalia achieve peace of mind knowing that drug-free policies are enforced accurately and reliably, enhancing overall workplace safety.

Drug Testing Near Vandalia, OH

Trotwood, OH

Clayton, OH

Riverside, OH

Stillwater, OH

West Milton, OH

Park Layne, OH

Fort McKinley, OH

Union, OH

Englewood, OH

Northview, OH

Tipp City, OH

Huber Heights, OH