Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows, hair provides a long-term record of substance exposure. Hair sourced near the scalp allows for approximately a three-month detection span for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for precise specimen measurement. If scalp hair can’t be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. Note that "head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where the sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This process ensures the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug abuse indicators. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in the majority of instances, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal purposes. Any samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate additional verification.
In the event of a presumptive positive result during Screening, further hair is collected from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other testing methods such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation, if needed. The whole laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing strands of hair, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
In Brandon, OH, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing through superior accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests provide shorter detection windows, hair testing identifies substance use from up to 90 days prior. This enhanced detection timeline, coupled with high reliability, makes it the preferred choice for thorough substance abuse evaluation.
Hair follicle testing in Brandon, OH extends the window of detection far beyond conventional methods. While traditional urine tests capture recent drug use, hair analyses track substance ingestion up to 90 days prior. This expansive timeframe offers employers a deep insight into an individual's long-term substance behavior, fostering more informed decision-making.
Brandon, OH relies on the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests for unquestionable results. Unlike other tests, hair analyses significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration. This method ensures that samples remain intact from collection to analysis, providing clear and reliable insights into an individual’s drug history.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including Brandon, OH, drug testing services can be accessed effortlessly. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that companies and individuals receive seamless testing experiences through our widespread, accessible centers. Fast and simple, our testing locations cater to diverse geographical needs.
In Brandon, OH, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and private. From test ordering to result delivery, every step is handled with the utmost discretion. Our streamlined system ensures privacy protection, allowing individuals to navigate the testing process with ease and confidence, receiving results efficiently and confidentially.
Accredited Drug Testing in Brandon, OH offers cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times. This affordability does not sacrifice quality, as we deliver competitively priced packages with fast, accurate results. Our services provide exceptional value for businesses of any size, maximizing both financial savings and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug testing in Brandon, OH offers unmatched accuracy and speed. The precise nature of this analysis allows for rapid and reliable identification of substance use. Compared to more conventional methods, hair testing delivers conclusive results with minimal delay, ensuring that employers and individuals can make informed decisions based on trustworthy data.
For employers in Brandon, OH, hair follicle testing endorses compliance with strict drug-free policies. By utilizing this method, businesses reduce legal liabilities and bolster workplace safety. The thoroughness and accuracy of hair testing instill confidence, ensuring adherence to employment standards and safeguarding employee welfare.
