Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying substance use. Hair strands archive a long-term record of drug and alcohol presence by capturing markers within the hair's structure. When procured near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 90-day timeframe for substance detection. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It is best to measure the hair using a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is present, equivalent body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The four key phases in lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample in a lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly solution for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples initially testing positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
When a hair sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is collected from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most complex technique.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Westfield Center, OH
In Westfield Center, OH, hair tests demonstrate superior detection over urine tests in several ways. They boast a longer detection window and offer high accuracy in results. This method eliminates the uncertainties common with urine tests, ensuring a reliable track record of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Westfield Center, OH
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can trace drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This capability provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance use history, aiding employers in making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westfield Center, OH
Hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against tampering, greatly reducing the potential for sample adulteration. This ensures that results are reliable and beyond dispute, fostering confidence in the testing process and providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Westfield Center, OH
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures easy access to testing services. With convenient locations nationwide, including Westfield Center, OH, individuals can expect quick, hassle-free testing that fits seamlessly into their schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Westfield Center, OH
Our process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is made straightforward to protect privacy and ensure ease of use. Clients can rely on a secure and efficient experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westfield Center, OH
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround create excellent value for businesses in Westfield Center, OH. We cater to companies of all sizes, offering peace of mind with our efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Westfield Center, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision and speed. They provide a high level of accuracy when it comes to detecting substances, offering assurances that other methods may lack. These tests efficiently identify drug use, ensuring that the data gathered is both comprehensive and trustworthy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westfield Center, OH
Employing hair follicle testing in Westfield Center, OH, secures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and enhances the safety of the work environment, providing employers with peace of mind and a stable, productive workforce.
