Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extended record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A strand sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is ideal. It is advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair indicates only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The process of generating a drug test outcome in a lab encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning addresses the sample's entry into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing data input not supplied by an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening entails an initial, rapid analysis for drug presence. Though cost-effective, a positive screening needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples preliminarily identified as positive during Screening necessitate further verification.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results go through washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Middletown, OH Hair follicle tests provide a broader detection window than urine tests, tracing substance use over a more extended period. These tests are more reliable due to their observability, reducing chances of sample tampering. Employers and safety professionals are opting for hair tests for unmatched accuracy and trustworthiness compared to traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in West Middletown, OH Hair follicle testing is noteworthy for its ability to detect drug use over a 90-day period. This extensive detection window provides a detailed account of an individual's substance history, offering employers a comprehensive view of potential employees' past behaviors. It becomes a critical tool for long-term substance use analysis.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Middletown, OH Hair follicle tests significantly bolster reliability by minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The method ensures that results are trustworthy and uncompromised, offering a conclusive and dependable analysis. This tamper-resistant nature makes hair testing a preferred choice for accurate substance detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Middletown, OH Our wide network of testing centers guarantees hassle-free and swift access to hair follicle testing services. With strategically placed centers across the country and locally in West Middletown, obtaining necessary tests becomes an uncomplicated part of the recruitment or compliance process.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Middletown, OH Our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and discreet. We prioritize the privacy of every client and ensure easiness throughout the testing procedure, addressing concerns over confidentiality and reducing barriers for users needing testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Middletown, OH Our competitive pricing models and rapid turnaround times offer excellent value for businesses of varying sizes. Companies can expect swift and cost-effective results, ensuring both financial savings and prompt substance use assessments, thus enhancing operational and financial efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Middletown, OH Hair follicle testing offers rapid and dependable results, ensuring precision in detecting substance use. This method stands out for its ability to provide accurate readings about an individual's drug use, enhancing trust and reliability in the outcomes delivered. In professional settings, where prompt and precise results are vital, this testing method excels.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Middletown, OH Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting safety. This method ensures policy compliance, providing peace of mind to employers striving for a secure and rule-abiding work environment. Hair testing leads to a safer and more compliant workplace.
