Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair can offer an extended history of substances by containing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can present up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. It's easy to gather, harder to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is cost-effective to rule out drug use for most samples, any positive result from Screening requires confirmation for courtroom validity. Presumptive positive samples do necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a more complex methodology.
Confirmation of positive results is executed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," they actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Winesburg, OH
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses cover more extended periods, providing a holistic view of substance usage. Employers prefer this method due to its better accuracy and reduced chances of manipulation, thus fostering a trustworthy testing environment.
Extended Detection Window in Winesburg, OH
The hair follicle test stands out for its ability to track drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This long detection window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, making it a preferred option for thorough assessments, unlike the limited timeframe of traditional tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Winesburg, OH
Hair follicle tests are a reliable solution to prevent sample tampering. This method minimizes adulteration risks, providing unquestionable accuracy. The integrity of test results remains intact, ensuring that the outcomes are valid and trustworthy, safeguarding against any potential deceit during the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Winesburg, OH
Our widespread network of testing centers ensures that accessing drug testing services is straightforward and stress-free. Accreditated Drug Testing provides both national and local facilities, allowing for quick, seamless visits to our centers, making the process exceptionally convenient for individuals and companies alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Winesburg, OH
Our streamlined and discreet process for testing facilitates ease and privacy. Ordering, conducting, and obtaining your results is designed to be customer-friendly, preserving confidentiality at every step. Addressing concerns about privacy and ease of use, our process aims to ensure your peace of mind throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Winesburg, OH
Competitive pricing and efficient service define our hair follicle testing offerings. With fast turnaround times, you receive excellent value, supporting businesses of varied sizes. Our pricing structures and prompt delivery of results provide a cost-effective solution, accommodating the needs of any organization.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Winesburg, OH
Swift results and precise detection are hallmarks of hair follicle drug testing. This method shines for its high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring rapid and dependable outcomes. By opting for hair tests, you make a solid choice for ensuring accurate detection while maintaining a quick turnaround time, contributing significantly to informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Winesburg, OH
Using hair follicle testing helps organizations adhere to drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and minimizing legal risks. This approach fosters a secure working environment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while affording employers peace of mind concerning workforce sobriety.
