Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust tool in detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month detection period for substances. It's easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal size for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG and other add-on tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If head hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory generally involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of registering a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies that the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, gives it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for signs of drug use. While Screening provides a cost-effective method to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive result must be verified to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples displaying presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a verification step.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While colloquially known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wren, OH
Hair testing presents numerous advantages over conventional urine tests. Aside from the superior detection period, hair tests demonstrate enhanced accuracy and reliability which are crucial for maintaining strict compliance. As opposed to urine testing, hair samples are less invasive and provide a clearer history of substance use, making them a dependable choice.
Extended Detection Window in Wren, OH
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers in Wren, OH to gain a comprehensive understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance history, contributing to more informed decision-making and robust workplace policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wren, OH
The hair follicle test significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike other methods that may be compromised easily, hair tests are nearly impossible to tamper with, ensuring that the results obtained are reliable and trustworthy. This tamper-resistant nature provides assurance in maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wren, OH
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Wren, OH, offers quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This convenience ensures that both employers and individuals can carry out tests efficiently without delays, benefitting from our widespread presence across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wren, OH
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy, ensuring a stress-free experience for clients from start to finish. This commitment to simplicity and discretion addresses any privacy concerns effectively, maintaining trust and confidence.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wren, OH
Our competitive pricing structure and rapid turnaround times stand out, making hair follicle testing an excellent value proposition for companies of all sizes. These factors, combined with the reliability of the tests, provide peace of mind, ensuring a cost-effective solution to managing substance testing in the workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wren, OH
Hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in precision and speed when it comes to detecting substance use. Their ability to provide highly accurate results swiftly makes them a preferred choice among professionals. When you need confidence in the outcomes, hair tests deliver, ensuring that no detail is missed, thus fostering a drug-free environment efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wren, OH
Employers seeking to impose a drug-free workplace benefit significantly from hair follicle testing. This method aids in ensuring compliance with drug-free policies and reduces legal risks. Moreover, it enhances workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind and yielding a secure environment for all employees.
