Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of substance abuse by capturing drug and alcohol markers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) gathered nearest to the scalp will generate 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process at the lab includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the specimen is initially processed into the lab’s system. This phase ensures the specimen was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive result needs confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples testing positive during Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower levels than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug tests are among the most challenging methods to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credential and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug assessment:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Eldorado, OH, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine testing. One standout feature is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, they often fall short in detecting substance use over extended periods. Hair tests, however, provide a much broader detection window. With their enhanced effectiveness, hair follicle tests present a more dependable solution for assessing drug use.
Employers in Eldorado, OH, benefit from hair follicle testing’s extended detection window, often up to 90 days. This feature offers a thorough overview of a potential or current employee's substance history, proving invaluable. Unlike other tests, hair testing can detect prolonged drug use, allowing employers to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data, creating a safer work environment rooted in clarity.
The integrity of hair follicle tests in Eldorado, OH, is markedly higher due to their tamper-resistant nature. Reducing sample adulteration to nearly zero, these tests offer irrefutable results. Unlike other methods, where cheating or tampering can occur, hair follicle tests maintain a high level of assurance. When reliability and authenticity are paramount, this testing method assures results that stand up to scrutiny, providing peace of mind.
With a vast network of testing sites, Eldorado, OH, residents can conveniently access drug testing services. Our nationwide presence ensures that localized, hassle-free testing is always an option. Whether you're in the heart of Eldorado or elsewhere, our easily accessible centers eliminate the stress of finding a testing site. This convenience guarantees a seamless experience from start to finish, prioritizing user comfort.
The process in Eldorado, OH, is both simple and confidential, ensuring ease and privacy. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes the client's confidentiality. Concerns about privacy are mitigated by discreet handling every step of the way. Simple procedures make the journey streamlined, so clients can focus on what's important while ensuring accuracy without the stress of complex systems.
Eldorado, OH, businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Hair follicle testing is both cost-effective and efficient, providing outstanding value to organizations of varied sizes. Quick results reinforce decision-making processes without straining budgets. Affordable solutions like these ensure employers can maintain high standards without compromising their financial resources or time efficiency.
The hair follicle testing procedure in Eldorado, OH, provides unmatched precision and speed. Its high accuracy in detecting substance use makes it a preferred choice for those demanding reliable results. The efficiency of hair testing offers quick insights, propelling it ahead of traditional methodologies. With its meticulous detection capability, knowing the depth of one’s substance use becomes straightforward, ensuring decisions are well-informed.
Employers in Eldorado, OH, find peace in the compliance offered by hair follicle testing, which aligns with drug-free workplace policies. By integrating hair testing, legal risks are minimized, and safety standards are upheld. Ensuring compliance fosters a secure work environment, boosting employer confidence. The method not only enhances safety but also ingrains trust and consistency within organizational frameworks.