Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant resource in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair that grow, hair offers an extended history of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly three months for substances including alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches made up of approximately 200 strands (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp contains 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For expanded tests involving EtG, additional substances, or above ten panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. The specimen should be weighed with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
Four primary stages are involved in the laboratory's handling of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s database. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further needed data entry missing from an electronic custody record.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid examination for drug presence. While it serves as an economical method to dismiss drug consumption on most samples, any positive findings must undergo confirmation to be legal in court. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation phase.
If a sample appears preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. In this process, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral samples), making hair drug testing a challenging methodology.
Any positive screening needs confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory's complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Woodworth, OH
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in many ways. Its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability make it the go-to choice for those looking to maintain a drug-free workplace. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses can detect use over a more extended period, providing a thorough assessment of substance exposure history.
Extended Detection Window in Woodworth, OH
The most significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extensive time frame, typically up to 90 days. This feature offers employers a detailed perspective of an individual's substance use history, assisting in making more informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Woodworth, OH
Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample tampering. This method drastically diminishes the risk of adulteration, providing credible and trustworthy results that can't be easily manipulated, ensuring integrity in substance testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Woodworth, OH
We offer the convenience of numerous nationwide testing centers, allowing for quick and stress-free access to testing services. This network ensures that no matter where you are, efficient drug testing is readily available to meet your needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Woodworth, OH
Our testing process is simple and respects your privacy. From ordering the test to receiving results, you can expect a straightforward and confidential experience, ensuring ease and discretion for everyone involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Woodworth, OH
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make our services accessible and valuable for businesses of all sizes. By balancing cost-effectiveness with efficient results, we offer an excellent option for those prioritizing both affordability and reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Woodworth, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and quick turnaround. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring employers receive clear insights into applicants or employees' drug histories. With efficient processing, companies can make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Woodworth, OH
Implementing hair follicle testing helps companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. This method fosters a safer working environment, granting employers peace of mind knowing they are in compliance with relevant regulations.
