Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a span of around three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10-panel tests, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we imply scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test processing involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of the sample into a lab’s system. This ensures that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-effective approach to rule out drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any presumptive positive samples from the Screening step require further confirmation.
If a sample is judged presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is gathered from the initial specimen to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When assessing hair follicle vs. traditional urine testing, hair testing in West Liberty, OH, excels in offering a more extensive detection period. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair tests provide a more comprehensive overview, thus enhancing overall detection accuracy and reliability. This makes hair testing a preferred method for many organizations adopting zero-tolerance policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in West Liberty, OH, is a significant advantage over other methods. Capable of uncovering drug use for up to 90 days, this test offers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history. Such a lengthy detection provides employers with a more accurate portrayal of an employee's or applicant's habits, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of tampering, making them highly reliable in West Liberty, OH. Unlike other methods, the chance for sample adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring the outcomes are unquestionable. Employers and authorities rely on these tests for their integrity and trustworthiness.
West Liberty, OH, benefits from our nationwide network of testing centers, ensuring convenience and accessibility. Regardless of your location, accessing hair follicle testing services is easy and hassle-free. The availability of local testing sites facilitates swift and efficient testing processes for everyone involved.
In West Liberty, OH, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is streamlined to ensure privacy and ease of use. Individuals can be assured of a professional experience that respects their needs and concerns.
With competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in West Liberty, OH, provides great value for companies. Our affordable services don't compromise on quality, delivering fast results without breaking the budget, thus offering peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
In West Liberty, OH, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and consistency in delivering results. The method is known for its high accuracy in detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice for those in need of fast and reliable drug test outcomes. The extensive detection capabilities ensure that all necessary information is captured efficiently, reinforcing the test's credibility.
Implementing hair follicle testing in West Liberty, OH, aids employers in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, businesses gain peace of mind. The stability this method offers strengthens organizational policies, promoting a secure and responsible work environment.
