Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair shaft's developing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for assessment and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the specimen. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may serve as an alternative. When referring to head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four foundational stages in the laboratory processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a specimen into a laboratory system. This process verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't covered.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug usage in many cases, a positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Any samples that show positive signs in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation procedure.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is selected from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening quite challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Merrill, OR, hair testing stands out for its superior detection and accuracy. The extended time frame for detecting drug use provides a clearer picture of an individual's drug history. Additionally, the collection process for hair samples is highly controlled, while urine tests can be more susceptible to adulteration. This reliability makes hair testing an increasingly preferred approach for ensuring drug-free policies.
In Merrill, OR, employers benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain insights into an individual’s long-term substance use history, beyond the limits of urine testing. The extended detection period ensures more informed decision-making regarding hiring and employee management, providing a comprehensive overview of substance use.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Merrill, OR, ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy. Unlike other drug screening methods, hair tests significantly minimize the potential for tampering or sample adulteration. The careful sample collection and analysis process of hair testing help provide conclusive, unquestionable results, which is critical for maintaining the integrity and trust in the testing process.
With testing centers conveniently located nationwide, including in Merrill, OR, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This network ensures that individuals and organizations can easily locate a nearby center, facilitating quick and efficient testing. Our widespread presence guarantees that testing is accessible, emphasizing our dedication to providing convenient and reliable service to all clients.
Clients in Merrill can rely on our local and national coverage for their testing needs.
In Merrill, OR, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and discreet, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are seamless tasks that maintain confidentiality throughout every stage. This ease of use assures individuals and employers that their personal information remains protected, fostering trust and comfort in the drug testing service.
In Merrill, OR, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround time for hair follicle drug testing offer excellent value. Ensuring that both small businesses and large corporations can access affordable testing services is crucial. Our swift service delivery without compromising quality helps meet the needs of various industries, enabling companies to maintain their operations smoothly and with peace of mind.
Our affordable rates and quick service are key benefits.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Merrill, OR, make it a top choice for detecting substance use. Hair tests rapidly process each sample, providing precise results that give peace of mind to both individuals and organizations. Unlike other testing methods, hair testing offers high reliability, ensuring that substance use is identified with minimal false positives or negatives.
Our process is built for speed without compromising the accuracy of results.
For employers in Merrill, OR, hair follicle testing offers compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and promoting safety. Adopting this testing method demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a secure work environment, offering peace of mind. It also reinforces employers' dedication to a drug-free workplace, which can boost employee morale and reduce incidents related to substance abuse.
