Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is often regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through trapping biomarkers within the strands, hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use. When obtained near the scalp, hair reveals a detection period of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair solely pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a specimen into a lab's system, ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data needed beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drug presence. While Screening is an economical way to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires validation to be court-admissible. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing quite challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Walnut Creek, OH, outshines urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests offer extensive detection capabilities. This is why many employers prefer hair tests to uphold strict drug-free policies.
While urine tests are prone to adulteration, hair tests provide a tamper-resistant alternative. The accuracy of hair testing offers reassurance and reliance that is not easily matched by other testing methods, like urine testing.
The enduring detection window of hair follicle testing in Walnut Creek, OH, is a distinct advantage. It offers a comprehensive view of a person's substance usage history over a 90-day span. This makes it invaluable for employers seeking a thorough assessment.
With its long detection period, hair testing provides a comprehensive look at an individual's past substance use, helping employers make informed decisions. This extended window is far superior to that of urine tests, which are limited to a shorter time frame.
In Walnut Creek, OH, hair follicle tests exhibit a significant reduction in tampering risks. This testing method ensures that samples are reliable, rendering results that are unquestionable.
Because hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration compared to urine, they represent a much more secure and effective means of drug testing. This decreased risk of tampering provides assurance and confidence in the integrity of the test results obtained.
In Walnut Creek, OH, our conveniently situated nationwide testing centers provide easy and hassle-free access to our services. Testing locations are strategically placed for maximum convenience, ensuring clients can obtain necessary testing quickly and efficiently.
Utilizing a network of local centers, we guarantee accessibility and the ability to meet the needs of our clients, wherever they are located. This accessibility lends itself to a seamless testing experience, with minimal inconvenience.
The process of hair follicle testing in Walnut Creek, OH, is simple and private. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is a straightforward and confidential process, ensuring client privacy is maintained throughout.
Concerns about privacy are addressed with our efficient and user-friendly testing process. Clients can rely on a seamless and safe experience, from the initial testing phase to receiving their results, maintaining confidentiality at all steps.
In Walnut Creek, OH, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and rapid result processing. Our competitive pricing structures provide exceptional value for organizations of any size.
The quick turnaround times associated with hair follicle tests offer another layer of assurance. Companies can expect fast and accurate results, aiding them in keeping up with their operational needs while remaining cost-effective.
In Walnut Creek, OH, the effectiveness of hair follicle drug tests lies in their precision and speed. These tests provide quick and reliable outcomes, making them a top choice for drug detection. Their high level of accuracy ensures that substance use is detected more effectively.
Utilizing advanced methods, hair tests are able to identify drug use with a high degree of certainty. This precision translates to fast results, giving individuals and organizations the confidence in the reliability of the outcomes provided.
Employers in Walnut Creek, OH, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing's ability to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only reduces legal risks but also significantly enhances workplace safety.
Through stringent and reliable testing options, employers can maintain a safe, drug-free work environment. This, in turn, provides peace of mind to business owners, knowing they are reducing potential liabilities and improving overall safety.