Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair shaft. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to a three-month period. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, with minimal opportunities for tampering, and it is hassle-free to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair specimen, comprising roughly 200 strands or resembling the size of a #2 pencil, is typically required to attain 100mg of hair for optimal analysis. For EtG specifics or tests exceeding 10 drug categories, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When we discuss head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, involving the integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial examination for potential drug abuse. It's a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, though court-eligible evidence requires confirmation of any positive screen. Samples with presumptive positives during Screening necessitate additional verification.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than those found in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most intricate processes.
Confirmation of any positive result in Screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is closely examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Wooster, OH is clear. Hair tests offer unparalleled detection accuracy and a longer window of substance use history, making them more dependable than traditional urine tests. Employers who seek comprehensive screening options widely prefer hair testing methods.
Employers in Wooster, OH benefit from the extended detection period of hair follicle tests, revealing substance use for up to 90 days. This broad window allows them to gain insight into an individual’s long-term drug use history, enabling more informed hiring and employment decisions.
In Wooster, OH, the reliability of hair follicle testing shines through in its resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples provide results that are difficult to alter, ensuring a dependable way to verify an individual's drug use history with confidence.
With numerous facilities nationwide and locally in Wooster, OH, accessing hair follicle testing services is convenient. Our widespread network guarantees streamlined access to testing, making it simple for individuals and businesses to engage in necessary drug screenings.
The hair follicle testing process in Wooster, OH is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Clients can easily order tests, complete them, and receive the results while maintaining privacy, addressing concerns of confidentiality and simplicity.
In Wooster, OH, affordable pricing and swift processing times make hair follicle testing an attractive option. Businesses of every size appreciate the cost-effective solutions and quick results, adding value and reassurance to their testing programs.
In Wooster, OH, hair follicle tests provide fast and matchless precision in drug detection. These tests are highly effective in identifying substance use, offering results with remarkable speed and accuracy. Their ability to consistently deliver reliable outcomes makes them a trusted choice for both individuals and organizations.
Using hair follicle tests in Wooster, OH ensures employers adhere to drug-free workplace standards. This method minimizes legal liabilities and enhances safety by promoting a secure work environment, reducing the risks associated with substance use.
