Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly seen as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to approximately 3 months for both alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to send for analysis.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. By 'head hair,' we mean only scalp hair. 'Body hair' describes all other kinds of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four essential steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug use. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive result from screening requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, the drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Vaughnsville, OH, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests have a superior detection period, identifying drug use back to 90 days, whereas urine tests detect recent use. This extended window provides a more reliable depiction of an individual's substance history, offering employers in Vaughnsville a robust, reliable testing solution.
Employers in Vaughnsville, OH, benefit from the extensive detection window offered by hair follicle testing. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days prior, these tests provide a thorough overview of an individual’s substance use. This extended detection capability is crucial for employers seeking a long-term view of potential employees' drug use backgrounds.
In Vaughnsville, OH, the efficacy of hair follicle tests stems from their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other drug test methods, hair tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. This is because the collection process is observed, and the hair sample's inherent properties make adulteration exceptionally challenging, ensuring consistent and trustworthy results.
In Vaughnsville, OH, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers means quick, accessible drug testing is just around the corner. With a network of locations, scheduling and attending a test is hassle-free and efficient, ensuring individuals and companies in Vaughnsville experience rapid and convenient testing without undue delays.
The process in Vaughnsville, OH, for arranging, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and confidential. It's designed with privacy in mind, addressing concerns while easing the usual complications. From order to result, the path is simple, secure, and tailored for user friendliness.
In Vaughnsville, OH, our competitive pricing coupled with fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing offers exceptional value. Businesses of every size can reap the benefits of cost-effective testing solutions, receiving quick and reliable test results that allow for informed decision-making without financial strain.
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests in Vaughnsville, OH, are unparalleled. These tests yield high accuracy in substance detection, providing results quickly and effectively. Hair tests excel in pinpointing substance use due to their meticulous analysis, ensuring the utmost reliability and quicker result delivery, ideal for those requiring swift and precise responses.
Hair follicle testing in Vaughnsville, OH, brings peace of mind to employers by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. These tests mitigate legal risks and bolster workplace safety through reliable detection methods. Employers can be confident that hair testing aligns with regulations and promotes a secure, compliant working environment.
