Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the strands, providing a long-term record of substance use. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, and tests above 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This process includes confirming the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques confirm any positive results from the Screening phase. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Zoar, OH
Hair testing provides far superior detection accuracy over the traditional urine tests. Unlike urine samples, hair tests have a broader detection window, offering comprehensive insights into a person's substance history. By testing for drug use with greater precision, hair follicle testing stands out as an excellent choice for those requiring verifiable results with lesser chances of tampering.
Extended Detection Window in Zoar, OH
The extended detection time of hair follicle tests, which can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, offers employers a more thorough insight into their employees' or candidates' habits. This longer window aids in identifying consistent substance misuse patterns, thus equipping decision-makers with vital information to maintain a secure, professional environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Zoar, OH
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, significantly reducing the likelihood of sample alteration. By providing robust and unquestionable results, these tests ensure that the outcomes remain reliable, facilitating decision-making processes free from concern about the validity of the samples used for testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Zoar, OH
With a multitude of testing centers spread nationwide, accessing our services in Zoar is both quick and hassle-free. Our strategically placed facilities guarantee swift and straightforward appointments, ensuring minimal disruption to your schedule and providing ease of access to reliable drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Zoar, OH
Our confidential testing process is designed to be straightforward, guaranteeing privacy every step of the way. From ordering the test to receiving the results, we prioritize user confidentiality and simplicity. This approach reassures individuals, providing a seamless experience while safeguarding personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Zoar, OH
We offer competitively priced hair follicle testing with rapid result turnaround, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Companies in Zoar can benefit from our efficient services, designed to maximize both economic efficiency and peace of mind by ensuring timely results and accessible pricing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Zoar, OH
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and rapidity in results compared to traditional methods. Known for their high accuracy, these tests can unearth a person's substance use with unparalleled reliability. The streamlined process in Zoar assures swift and exact outcomes, making it an ideal option for those demanding dependable results in a short time frame.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Zoar, OH
Using hair follicle testing helps ensure alignment with workplace drug-free policies, amplifying safety and minimizing legal liabilities. Employers can rest assured that they are fostering a secure environment, helping uphold their reputation while protecting their workforce against the ramifications associated with drug-related incidents.
