Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, has a low risk of being tampered with, and is straightforward to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for initial screening and confirmation steps. For EtG, additional services, or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal volume of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it relates exclusively to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
In laboratory drug test result processing, the four primary steps include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a sample into a lab’s system, which includes verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the preliminary assessment to identify drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the source specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a highly challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brentwood Lake, OH
In Brentwood Lake, OH, hair follicle testing is increasingly favored over urine tests due to its precision and reliability. While traditional urine tests only capture a short-term substance usage snapshot, hair tests provide a broader detection window. This test’s advanced technology ensures higher accuracy, making them superior for detecting long-term drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Brentwood Lake, OH
In Brentwood Lake, OH, one of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests offer employers a wide-ranging overview of an individual's substance use history, aiding in making informed hiring or retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brentwood Lake, OH
Hair follicle tests in Brentwood Lake, OH, offer a robust solution to circumventing sample tampering attempts. With their resistant nature, these tests greatly reduce the likelihood of adulteration, ensuring that results remain dependable and beyond doubt, bolstering confidence in drug screening procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brentwood Lake, OH
Brentwood Lake, OH, residents enjoy the convenience of accessible testing services thanks to our extensive nationwide network. This ensures appointments are swiftly arranged, and testing remains hassle-free. Multiple local centers deliver prompt services, catering to the immediate needs of the community.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brentwood Lake, OH
The hair follicle testing process in Brentwood Lake, OH, is designed to be straightforward and private. From easy booking to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes confidentiality and simplicity, ensuring concerns over privacy and complexity are minimized for every client.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brentwood Lake, OH
In Brentwood Lake, OH, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced and offer rapid turnaround times. We provide exceptional value to businesses of every scale, guaranteeing quick results without compromising on quality, which reinforces our standing in the marketplace as both cost-effective and efficient.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brentwood Lake, OH
Hair follicle drug tests in Brentwood Lake, OH, are renowned for their swiftness, precision, and reliability. These tests deliver results swiftly and are highly accurate, identifying substance use with great precision. Utilizing innovative technology, they ensure comprehensive and reliable results, giving users confidence in their testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brentwood Lake, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Brentwood Lake, OH, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, providing employers peace of mind. These tests minimize legal liabilities and enhance overall safety, creating a secure and productive work environment while adhering to all necessary regulatory requirements.