Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying the presence of drugs and alcohol. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair can provide a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage over time. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for substances. The collection process is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil), near the scalp, results in a 100mg sample, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected instead. When mentioning head hair, it implies scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair alludes to other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage, involving the integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes checking that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although it is a cost-efficient means to identify drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive results in Screening mandate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at a lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under the scrutiny of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing with urine tests in Beavercreek, OH, reveals significant advantages. Hair testing provides a broader detection window, identifying substance use over months rather than days. This extended window gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s historical substance use.
Furthermore, the reliability of hair tests in detecting past drug use is often superior to that of urine tests. By reducing the likelihood of evasion, employers benefit from more dependable results, enhancing safety and regulatory compliance.
Hair follicle testing in Beavercreek, OH, excels due to its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This duration surpasses that of urine and allows for a thorough review of long-term substance use. Employers gain a complete perspective of an individual’s behavior over time.
This approach is invaluable for understanding ongoing patterns of substance use. By scrutinizing usage over an extended timeline, employers receive a detailed analysis.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Beavercreek, OH, is a crucial advantage over urine testing. This attribute significantly reduces the potential for sample tampering or adulteration, ensuring results remain accurate and reflective of true substance use.
Hair testing requires collecting samples that are not easily tampered with, unlike urine, thus making the process nearly impervious to manipulation. This enhances confidence in the testing outcomes.
With extensive nationwide testing locations, including local centers in Beavercreek, OH, accessing hair follicle tests is convenient. This wide network ensures testing is quick, simple, and stress-free for all clients, no matter their location.
Our broad reach guarantees that every individual or organization can easily find a nearby facility, leading to more efficient testing processes.
The hair follicle testing process in Beavercreek, OH, is noted for being simple and confidential. Ordered online or over the phone, it respects individual privacy at every step, from test completion to results retrieval.
Clients appreciate the user-friendly nature of this testing method. The procedure is designed to ensure ease for both employers and individuals, maintaining confidentiality without sacrificing simplicity.
In Beavercreek, OH, hair follicle tests offer affordable pricing and quick results, making them attractive for businesses of every scale. The competitive pricing ensures services are accessed cost-effectively, adding value and peace of mind.
Besides being budget-friendly, the hair testing method ensures rapid turnaround times. This efficiency means businesses can act swiftly based on test outcomes.
In Beavercreek, OH, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests efficiently detect substance use, with analysis often completed quickly, minimizing waiting times. The technology used in hair testing ensures precision, making it a top choice for businesses seeking dependable testing methods.
With a focus on high precision, hair testing provides businesses and individuals in Beavercreek with accurate assessments of substance use. The method's inherent accuracy makes it suitable for discerning even low levels of drug use, ensuring comprehensive monitoring.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Beavercreek, OH, offers employers compliance and peace of mind with stringent workplace drug policies. By contributing to a safer work environment, employers mitigate legal risks and enhance organizational safety standards.
Employers appreciate the peace of mind that comes from using reliable testing methods. Compliance with zero-tolerance policies ensures a responsible, accountable, and safe working environment.
