Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands hold a long-term record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fiber. When collected near the scalp, they can reveal a history of up to three months for substances. The sample is easy to gather, harder to tamper with, and convenient for shipment.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a standard pencil) will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG and assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. If head hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The key procedures in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase of entering a sample into a lab system, involving checks to ensure proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data input that is not completed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court validity. Presumptively positive samples from Screening require additional validation.
Presumptive positives from Screening go through Extraction by drawing more from the initial collection. Drugs are extracted at a lower concentration compared to other methods like urine or saliva, hence why hair drug testing is notably challenging.
Confirmation utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods for validating any positive findings from Screening. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. This entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the assessment actually examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Arlington, OH, hair follicle testing consistently surpasses traditional urine testing. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a superior detection accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window provided by hair testing means substances that may have been missed in urine can still be identified, offering a clear, comprehensive picture of drug use history and enhancing trust in the results.
The significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Arlington, OH, lies in its ability to identify drug use over an extensive timeline, usually up to 90 days. This broad detection window grants employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance interaction history, enabling better judgment and decision-making in line with workplace policies and safety standards.
Hair follicle tests in Arlington, OH, are highly resistant to any attempts at tampering or adulteration. Unlike urine samples, hair tests provide reliable and uncontestable results, significantly reducing the risk of compromised data. This ensures that conclusions drawn from the test are both accurate and trustworthy, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
With convenient testing centers available nationwide, including in Arlington, OH, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Our widespread network ensures that wherever individuals may be, a testing facility is within easy reach, guaranteeing quick and efficient service completion for all testing needs.
In Arlington, OH, the process of ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential. This ensures that privacy is upheld throughout, alleviating any concern for those involved. The streamlined procedure is designed to be user-friendly, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.
Featuring competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle tests in Arlington, OH, offer excellent value for companies of any size. These services are structured to accommodate diverse financial needs, providing swift results without compromising on affordability or quality of the testing process.
Hair follicle drug tests in Arlington, OH, offer unparalleled precision and speed in detecting substance use. The high accuracy of these tests ensures quick results, making them ideal for employers and individuals alike. By choosing hair testing, stakeholders benefit from a reliable and efficient process, boosting confidence in the results and decision-making related to drug use assessments.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Arlington, OH, provides employers with assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This reduces legal liabilities and elevates workplace safety by ensuring employees adhere to substance use policies. The peace of mind derived from accurate and dependable testing fosters a secure and productive working environment.