Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by trapping biomarkers within the structure of the hair as it grows. Sampling hair near the scalp can offer a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is effortless, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to gather 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected instead. The term "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This step involves confirming that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required manual data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for substances often misused. While cost-effective for excluding drug presence in a large number of samples, a positive screening result demands confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples that show a presumptive positive result during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for the Extraction process. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than with other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complex nature of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed accordingly before confirmation. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over urine testing in Waterford, OH. Hair tests prove significantly more reliable with superior detection accuracy, making them a preferred choice for ensuring workplace safety.
Where traditional urine tests falter in detecting older usage, hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive picture, revealing substance use over extended periods.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Waterford, OH, is unmatched. Employers benefit by understanding an individual's substance use history over 90 days, considering it a substantial asset.
Hair testing offers a long-term view of an applicant’s or employee's habits, providing a holistic understanding of drug use history, aiding in making informed hiring decisions.
In Waterford, OH, hair follicle testing stands out by minimizing sample adulteration risks. Its tamper-resistant nature delivers trustworthy results, greatly enhancing reliability.
Employers in Waterford can rest assured, as hair testing mitigates cheating risks, securing a transparent understanding of an individual's drug use history.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access with nationwide and local testing centers in Waterford, OH. Our locations promise hassle-free and quick testing services.
Convenient testing locations spread nationwide, including Waterford, grant businesses seamless and effortless testing experiences, facilitating adherence to drug-free policies.
The hair follicle testing process in Waterford, OH, is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, clients experience simplicity and privacy.
Concerns about privacy are addressed with our safe and discreet processing, ensuring individuals in Waterford easily manage their testing requirements without complications.
Accredited Drug Testing in Waterford, OH, provides competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. This combination delivers value and assurance to companies, big and small alike.
Our services, marked by affordability and speed, ensure Waterford businesses maintain quality without overspending, affirming economic testing choices for sustainable management.
Hair follicle drug tests in Waterford, OH, deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results, helping employers maintain high standards. These tests excel in precision, swiftly detecting substance traces, ensuring sound business decisions.
Employers in Waterford can rely on the impressive accuracy of hair tests. With quick processing and results, businesses can effectively handle hiring and compliance applications with ease.
By employing hair follicle testing in Waterford, OH, employers achieve compliance and maintain a drug-free workplace. Risk reduction and enhanced safety are key benefits.
Employers enjoy peace of mind with hair tests, ensuring policies are observed, legal risks are minimized, and the work environment is safeguarded against substance misuse threats.